Poncho's Prose

This Inquisitive Canine and His Dog Trainer Mom Are on the Move - So is This Blog

2010-03-23T18:05:00.000-07:00

Hello fellow inquisitive canine's and inquisitive guardians!

It's official! My mom the Ventura and virtual dog trainer and I have completed the Great Blog Migration over to our newly updated www.inquisitivecanine.com website. This means that:

Mom and I are now joining blog forces!
Mom and I will be updating our blog directly on our own site.
I won’t be updating posts on this Blogger site anymore.

What does this mean for you? Simple. All you have to do is point your browsers to the new site: www.inquisitivecanine.com/blog where you can read our posts while being able to hang out directly on our home website. Very convenient I must say!

Also – if you subscribe to this via RSS, the new feed is here:
http://www.inquisitivecanine.com/dogtrainerblog/feed/

If you receive updates via email, please subscribe at the new blog address:
www.inquisitivecanine.com/blog

And please change all bookmarks to:
www.inquisitivecanine.com/blog

If you receive via carrier pigeon or retriever, you'll have to discuss details with him or her yourself...sorry, that's out of my scope of practice.

In addition to the new blog address, we also have some really exciting changes to our dog training offerings - I hope you’ll check out our new services and products for enhancing your everyday relationship with your dog.

Thanks for reading my Poncho's Prose blog. I always enjoy your comments and support. Oh, and if you think your canine and human friends would enjoy reading and sharing, please feel free to forward it on. We'll see you over on the new site!

Springing Forward Into Fun Dog Events!

2010-03-11T23:19:00.000-08:00

Hello to all of my fellow inquisitive canines and inquisitive guardians. My mom the certified professional dog trainer and human-canine relationship coach and I have been so busy with lots of exciting changes here at the office that I've been neglecting my blogging duties. Trust me, I've had lots to say, but for now I just want to drop a quick note (while mom is off the computer) and let you know about some fun and rewarding upcoming events happening here locally:

Saturday March 13, 2010: The first annual Ventura Downtown Green Mile run/walk being presented by my good friend Josh Spiker! There are open divisions for humans and even us dogs! The race will start at 8:30am (starting line is on Main St by Cemetery Park / Lincoln school. Check in is at Mission Park, which is where the finish line will be.) The St. Patrick's Day Parade will start at 10am. Light food provided by The Greek Restaurant and Aloha Steakhouse. (OMG! Please save me some steak!!!)

Tuesday March 16, 2010: Canine College is one of moms favorite dog manners classes. She teaches this 6-session basic dog obedience course through Ventura College Community Education. Dogs must be at least 4 months of age and owners at least 16 years old. There's also another 6-session course beginning May 4th for those that aren't able to attend this upcoming session.

I know mom is planning on running in the event this Saturday - and she's been training yours truly, so I guess that means if dad can get me out of bed early enough I'll be running it too. I wonder if Aloha Steakhouse or the Greek Restaurant will have any special prizes for us canines? Leftovers perhaps? Hmm, something for this inquisitive canine to ponder.

An Ideal Solution to Animal Overpopulation: Human Accountability

2010-02-05T09:07:00.000-08:00

Did you all hear that horrible noise yesterday? It was an intense banging sound mixed with a side-order of grumbling and a dash of whining. This intense display of human communication was coming out of my certified professional dog trainer mom. It seems she came across yet one more article on the issue of the overpopulation of animals in our country. The focus of the Santa Barbara Independent pet related article was actually on the "Chihuahua Explosion" in California - being part Chihuahua myself, it kinda hit home for me.

It obviously hit home for my Ventura dog trainer mom because of how she was behaving: eyes rolling towards ceiling, speaking loudly at the computer asking it questions like it had an answer, grunting a few times and burying her head in her hand - if it wasn't in her hand, her head was against the wall - not a good thing. Being an inquisitive canine I have learned that these cues my mom is exhibiting predicts yours truly needs to take charge. It's all about great teamwork ya know!

Anyway, the "straw" in the article was about "blaming Hollywood" for our increase in Chihuahua's in California. Okay, I agree with the fact that anytime a specific species or breed of animal is popularized via the media then yes, there seems to be an increase in the general population of that animal. So yes, "Hollywood" does have some influence. But to place the blame directly on "Hollywood" is a complete cop-out on the main issue: irresponsible breeding! Now hold up, before all of the comments on the right to breed dogs come flowing in, allow this inquisitive canine to elaborate.

Let's look at this from a more schematic approach: Flowcharts! (Mom and I love flowcharts - they're so handy!) But we're going to work backwards.

End result: Millions of shelter animals killed every year!
How did the animals end up in the shelter?: Humans didn't want them, humans can't afford them, humans didn't mean for their dogs or cats to procreate, humans weren't paying attention to what their pets were doing. (Hmm, see the "human" trend?) And the "humans fault" list goes on and on...
How did the animals end up on the planet?: Humans breeding willy-nilly, humans leaving dogs and cats intact giving him or her the ability to make more of themselves. (Uh, not spaying and neutering!)

Yes, spaying and neutering animals is beyond important. Us non-human animals don't consider the long term consequences, like where are our offspring going to live and how are we going to support our kids? Nope, we just go for it whenever we can - because that's what our DNA says to do. BTW, you humans aren't much different. It's just us dogs and cats aren't able to don a condom before the dreaded act - darn the lack of opposable thumbs!

To me and my dog training mom, we believe folks need to go beyond spaying and neutering - there needs to be a complete crackdown on the world of breeding! Yes, there are responsible breeders out there, but unfortunately the irresponsible ones have ruined it for everyone else.

If pets are considered property then we should be treated as such. Meaning, if a human is going to run a legitimate business selling items to the public (ones that can cause harm to others) then these people need to jump through hoops to make it legal: permits, business license, insurance, written procedures and guidelines, quality assurance etc.

It's not legal for mom to sell the baked goods she makes here at home, so why are humans allowed to make animals and sell them? I mean, if running a prostitution ring or meth lab isn't legal, then breeding animals to make money or because the dog or cat "is cute" shouldn't be legal either.

As for which animals society should be allowed to breed? How about breeding for functional behaviors all of you humans seem to want, as opposed to "jobs" that we're no longer needed for! (Talk about being outsourced!)

Hmm, I wonder if you humans will ever learn from your own behavior? I wonder if humans will ever hold themselves accountable or if they will continue to place blame on others? Something for this inquisitive canine to ponder...

T-Touch or Dog Massage: Doesn't Matter as Long as the Animal Enjoys it

2010-01-07T16:59:00.000-08:00

Me and my ventura dog trainer mom received a Dear Inquisitive Canine dog behavior advice question from a blue heeler from South Africa. This inquisitive canine wrote in asking us about some dog behavior issues she is having at home. One of the treatments her mom and dad were using is something called Tellington T-Touch (Tellington Touch, named after it's founder Miss. Linda).

Tellington TTouch - is a specialized approach of massage and other tactile restorative methods for the care and training of companion animals. She uses a combination of specific touches, lifts, and movement exercises which aids in the release of tension while increasing body awareness. It's done by applying circular movements of the fingers and hands all over the body, activating the function of the cells and awaken cellular intelligence - a little like "turning on the electric lights of the body."

Mom and I both like massage. Her friend and massage therapist Miss. Janice takes care of mom and her various aches and pains, while mom and dad take care of lil' ol' me. Whether they give me a rub down after a long day of running, or after taking on the agility course, it all feels good. Getting the blood circulating around, bringing nutrients to various body parts seems like a good idea.

But this inquisitive canine also knows there are some dogs out there that aren't too keen on being touched - at all, especially if they've had some sort of traumatic experience. I myself have had some issues with my hind quarters, long before mom and dad adopted me. I can't tell them the whole story, but I do know they've taken measures with massage and classical conditioning that have helped me.

The dog that wrote in may have had a not-so-pleasant experience with her ears. She's deaf. Her mom and dad aren't sure if she was born that way, which would mean she would have had her ears examined a lot, or if she was traumatized in some way that lead to her becoming deaf. Either way this sweet pup did state she had some issues with her ears being touched. My rockin' dog trainer mom has addressed some of this dogs concerns in our Dear Inquisitive Canine dog behavior advice column, while I take care of the topic of body handling and dogs.

The Plan for Body Handling: To help enjoy having your ears touched I would head down the path of classical conditioning. Have your mom gather tidbits of your absolute favorite edible item (my favorite is grilled salmon). Make sure it’s something you would do back flips over, and if possible, something you only get when you’re doing this training exercise.

Have your mom start with small steps:

Touch under your chin, then you get a small treat.
Touch your muzzle, treat.
Touch the side of your face, treat.
Progresses slowly up towards your ears, and that the order of events is: she touches your ear, then you get a treat.
No ear touching, no treat.
You’ll start to associate the ear touch with something wonderful, instead of being examined or something painful.

Also, make sure she watches your body language. If you’re telling her you’re uncomfortable being touched, she should back up to where you were more comfortable, staying at that level a little longer until you enjoy it and want her to move on.

Since there are other reasons and situations other than belly rubs where dogs would be handled, such as going to the vet or to the groomer, the above steps are a few dog training tips that I'd pass along to make these times more fun and rewarding for any dog! Me included.

Hmm, I wonder when I'm going to have my nails done again? Something for this inquisitive canine to ponder.

If Humans Only Knew What us Inquisitive Canine's Are Really Capable Of

2010-01-06T11:31:00.000-08:00

I received this email through one of the professional dog training groups my mom and I belong to. We had a good midday giggle, and thought you'd enjoy it to. Not sure who the original story teller is - let us know if you know... Enjoy!

A guy is driving around the back woods of Montana and he sees a sign in front of a broken down shanty-style house: "Talking Dog For Sale" He rings the bell and the owner appears and tells him the dog is in the backyard. The guy goes into the backyard and sees a nice looking Labrador retriever sitting there.

"You talk?" he asks.
"Yep," the Lab replies.

After the guy recovers from the shock of hearing a dog talk, he says "So, what's your story?"

The Lab looks up and says, "Well, I discovered that I could talk when I was pretty young. I wanted to help the government, so I told the CIA. In no time at all they had me jetting from country to country, sitting in rooms with spies and world leaders, because no one figured a dog would be eavesdropping.

"I was one of their most valuable spies for eight years running. But the jetting around really tired me out, and I knew I wasn't getting any younger so I decided to settle down. I signed up for a job at the airport to do some undercover security, wandering near suspicious characters and listening in. I uncovered some incredible dealings and was awarded a batch of medals. I got married, had a mess of puppies, and now I'm just retired."

The guy is amazed. He goes back in and asks the owner what he wants for the dog.

"Ten dollars," the guy says. "Ten dollars? This dog is amazing! Why on earth are you selling him so cheap?"
"Because he's a liar. He never did any of that stuff."

Pet Examiner Columnist Karen Lee Stevens Makes a Great Dog Foster Mom!

2009-12-27T21:52:00.000-08:00

Hello to my dedicated Poncho Prose followers. As many of you already know, me and my mom write a dog behavior advice column called Dear Inquisitive Canine - We receive many emails and try to answer as many as we can, but once in awhile I like to veer off on my own to answer an extra one or two. My mom being a certified professional dog trainer knows that sometimes people and dogs need more of an immediate answer, so I'm sure she won't mind if I work a little overtime.

Our friend Karen Lee Stevens is an animal advocate here in Santa Barbara. She is also a columnist, writer and editor, and the founder of All for Animals - a website devoted to resources for animal lovers in Santa Barbara, California (and the surrounding areas). It includes dogs, cats and other pets that are available for adoptions, animal events in the Santa Barbara area, and general information on how you can help animals.

It seems that Miss. Karen had a question for yours truly. Well, she and I share a speciate bond, so I thought it would be polite of me to work a little overtime and write her back. The question she asks has to do with creating pleasant associations for a guest chihuahua she will be taking care of over the holidays. The suggestions I give would work with other dogs (and other animals) too, so I thought I'd pass the word along to all of you.

Dear Poncho - Do you have any dog training tips you can give me about caring for a tiny (5.5 lb.) Chihuahua?! I'm going to be fostering one over the holidays and I'm a little concerned as I have an 11 lb. cat (who's very non-aggressive and actually likes dogs). This pup seems so delicate, and I want to do everything right (such as put a sweater on her, etc.). She came from a terrible hoarding situation in Santa Maria, but is a total lovebug despite her background. Any hints you can share would be appreciated. :) Warmly, Karen

Dear Miss. Karen - Wow, you are one amazing dog-nanny! Me and my certified dog trainer mom Joan Mayer both appreciate when animal loving humans like yourself take the time to not only care for others, but you take the extra time to plan for creating a harmonious time together.

I'd be happy to provide a few dog training tips for you and your new guest. If things work out for everyone, maybe she'll be able to come back for a visit.

Allow ALL animals to set the pace of the situation. In other words, don't force the pup or the kitty to like each other. Unless one is in danger of getting hurt, allow each one to communicate in his and her own language, while you and other humans refrain from interrupting the "conversation."
Think "chicken"! Or steak or salmon. I'm talking good ol' fashioned Pavlovian conditioning! Whether you're dressing her up in a sweater, picking her up, or when the kitty enters the room, your pup gets little tidbits of chicken. This way she associates all of these things with yummy treats! She'll begin to love each one because each is followed by chicken! For additional information on dogs learning by association, check out this blog post I wrote on creating good first impressions between two dogs.
Small doesn't equal toy. Us tinier poochies tend to cause humans to react like we're toys! They often want to grab at us or pick us up and squeeze us like we're stuffed animals. Humans need to keep in mind that we're real live animals that have preferences, feelings and emotions. We have to learn to trust you first. So this goes back to the first two tips: allow your foster chihuahua to set the pace on trusting others. Pair chicken (or some other yummy juicy meat type treat) with the person, place, thing or situation you want us to love, and she should - with time and patience on your part of course.
House Training: Take the time to show your guest where the "bathroom" is. She might understand where to potty where she used to live, but possibly not in your home. For house training tips please check out these blog posts.
Proper Identification: make sure she's wearing a collar with ID that has YOUR information on it. Even a temporary plastic tag - just in case she gets lost while staying with you, this way whoever finds her can contact you directly.

Well Miss. Karen I hope these dog training tips I've provided for you and your house guest are helpful. I wonder if I'll ever get to meet her? Hmm, something for this inquisitive canine to ponder.

Pumpkin Pancakes Make Perfect Addition to Kong Toy Stuffing Recipe

2009-12-25T13:03:00.000-08:00

My doggy sniffing sense is in high gear this Xmas morning....My mom the Ventura dog trainer and Kong toy stuffing extraordinaire is making homemade pumpkin pancakes for dad on this fine holiday morning. So, what does she do with the leftovers? Into the big Kong bowl it goes for yours truly!

Mom doesn't normally share her recipes, but since I was watching closely, and one of our @joanthedogcoach twitter followers asked, I thought I'd share this recipe...Mom will be cool with it because she knows these delectable edibles are a nice addition to use for stuffing into a Kong or as a nice reward for coming when called!

So this is what she did: (Remember, I'm not a professional recipe writer, just a blogger about dog and human behavior)

In mixing bowl beat one egg, 1/2 cup water, 3 tablespoons cream, 1/2 cup canned pumpkin, 1 tablespoon brown sugar.
Add one and one eight cup buttermilk pancake mix, 1/2 teaspoon pumpkin spice or cinnamon.
Mix gently until incorporated, without over-mixing (if you beat it up too much all the air goes away...then the cakes are more like bricks...)
Heat skillet (mom uses one of those heavy cast iron skillets), add enough butter to grease the pan, then drop spoonfuls onto skillet - cook until brown, flip, cook until done - Keep warm in the oven until you're ready to chow down!
As for toppings, dad only likes butter on top - You can certainly add anything you like. Personally, I'd like lamb baby food or bacon, mom would prefer real Vermont maple syrup or pumpkin butter...

To read more about Kong stuffing ideas check out moms dog training tips blog post.

I see mom putting that leftover piece off dads plate into my treat pouch... I wonder where we're headed? Hmm, something for this now hungry inquisitive canine to ponder!

Getting a Jump on Dog Greeting Behavior

2009-12-12T06:04:00.000-08:00

With the holidays approaching yours truly will be given more opportunities to greet lots of humans. Since mom and I recently received a question through our Dear Inquisitive Canine dog behavior advice column, I thought I'd tackle the blog post while my ventura dog trainer mom handles the column. (We make a good team that way!)

Being a dog, I know that jumping up to greet is normal amongst our canine culture - that's just how it is and just how we are. Similar to you humans grabbing each others paws, putting arms around each other, or kissing, us dogs also have an inherent greeting style - and it includes jumping up!

Whether it's family like my nana Mae, long time friends that come over, or new friends that I meet at our inquisitive canine dog training studio in Ventura, I have learned that sitting or having all of my paws on the floor will get me lots of loving attention! (Sometimes a yummy treat too).

I'm still unsure why many of you haven't figured that one out yet, after all, your species has been known to be pretty clever with observing and deciphering information. It seems that there are some myths out there, including we're trying to be "dominant" or "aggressive" or take over the world! HA! That's a good one. Nope. Sorry, but what we're really trying to do is say hello in the loving way we know how.

You can make life simple for yourself and your dog too - while still getting to say hello! How can we all make a polite greeting compromise? Simple:

Determine what it is you want from us: Sitting? Four (paws) on the floor?
Tell us what you want in a way we understand: Reward us with petting, praise, treats, play. Yelling, pushing us down or kneeing us in the chest is either mean or time for play. Plus, if we are still jumping up then duh, it's not working! Change your behavior!
Reward us for those behaviors: We'll do more of what you want if we're rewarded for it!
Ignore us completely if we're jumping up: Yikes! Ignoring us when we want attention is quite punishing! Which means we'll do less of what we're punished for.

Mom wrote another post on dogs jumping up to greet - you can read that here on her Ventura dog trainer blog.

Hmm, I wonder how many people I'm going to get to meet today? Something for this inquisitive canine to ponder?

Pets as a Gift Can Be a "Ruff" Road

2009-11-24T23:06:00.000-08:00

For this Friday's Dear Inquisitive Canine dog behavior advice column, mom is addressing the issue of giving a dog or cat as a gift. Oh boy, that's a hot topic, and one that yours truly would like to comment on as well.

The following are some of the questions my certified dog trainer mom is asking her readers to ask themselves. She also asks these questions to the virtual dog training class "Before You Adopt a Dog" attendee's. I thought I'd ask you the questions too, but in my little inquisitive canine way:

WHY do you want a dog or cat? Are you bored? Lonely? Think we're cute? Because someone in your family begged you to get one? Because you have another animal at home that you think is lonely? Or because you know how wonderful us dogs and cats are, and that you love having us as part of your life? If it's only for the last question, then by all means, think seriously about adopting a pet. I could recommend a few places you could find one just as wonderful as moi. If it's for all of the other reasons I'd ask you to think critically about adding the stressors of having a pet. If it's for someone else, you know you'll end up being the main caregiver. And to be honest, many dogs and cats don't make the best pet sitters.
Is this the best time in your life to have a dog or cat (or some other pet)? Are you gone all day long? All night long? Travel a lot? For many cats, they are okay at home alone, but us dogs, especially the youngsters and higher energy ones can get bored. We're also very social animals and don't do as well on our own as other animals. Be prepared for situations like isolation distress, separation anxiety, and boredom destruction of furniture and whatnot.
Are there any foreseeable life-changing events in your future? Are you getting married? Divorced? Having human children? Ill? Changing jobs? Moving? Us dogs can live a long time, so plan on taking us throughout your journeys.
Can you afford us? I know we're less costly than humans, but we still might cost you a pretty penny. I've know a few dogs and cats that had to have surgery or who were really ill and needed special medical care. Then there's the regular stuff like food, licensing, vaccinations, leashes, toys, collars, more toys, treats, food, more toys, and beds!
What pet would fit best with your lifestyle? Think about your family, your job, where you live, how you get around town. How much extra time do you have to devote to a pet? What sacrifices are you willing to make?
From where do you plan on adopting a dog? Breeder? Shelter or rescue group? Friend or family? There are lots of us shelter dogs out there that are in need of a loving home. If you end up buying from a breeder, please do your homework. Many of my shelter buddies originally came from breeders.

I remember when mom and dad came to the Animal Kind Rescue shelter in Studio City to meet me. They had heard the rumor that I loved tennis balls (which I do), and since dad plays tennis they thought we'd get along. They were right! They both knew instantly, as did I, that we'd hit it off and create a beautiful relationship! And here we are today...enjoying all that life together has to offer.

Both mom, dad and I agree that there isn't anything more special than having a loving relationship with a pet. But we all know it takes responsibility and commitment. So we ask, before you adopt, especially a pet begin given as a gift, do your homework first, so you can set yourself and your pet up for success!

I wonder how my former shelter buddies are doing? I wonder if they were given as gifts? Hmm, something for this inquisitive canine to ponder.

I May be an Inquisitive Canine, But This Dog is Also Thankful

2009-11-24T21:09:00.000-08:00

I was just helping mom write up our inquisitive canine newsletter, and decided to add a little bit about why I'm so thankful - 'tis the season after all, right? I know mom and I are both thankful that we get to do what we love, because we both love what we do! But I wanted to let mom, dad and all of my friends and family know what else I'm thankful for, because obviously these are just a few things I find positively reinforcing!

Mom and dad
Tennis balls
Chicken
Warm laps to curl up on
Road trips with mom and dad
Costco hot dogs
My basketball squeaky toy
Having a bed in every room
Steak!
All of my blankies
Belly rubs from mom, dad, my friend Miss. Lisa and anyone else willing to give them
Going to work with mom and dad
Turkey stuffed Kongs
Agility class with Miss. Margie
My ponchos prose blog and dog behavior advice column
Running with mom
Watching mom cook (and hopefully getting to help taste)
The mailman
Cookies crumbs off of dads lap
Snuggling with mom
Car rides
Trips to the field with dad
Costco yogurt with mom
Animal shelters like C.A.R.L. and the Humane Society of Ventura County
Pork tenderloin and UPS
EJ Harrison (even though they are my nemesis, I usually get steak when they're around)
Costco churros with dad
And all of my human and canine friends!

There are many more things I am thankful for, but these are what I could think of now... I wonder if all of you are thankful for the same things? Hmm, something for this inquisitive canine to ponder...but you can certainly comment and share!

The Importance of Using Science to Study Dog Behavior

2009-11-15T21:55:00.000-08:00

As you might know I'm one inquisitive canine that enjoys hanging out in the science camp of animal behavior, just like my mom the Ventura dog trainer,especially if I get to be a study subject (well, only if it involves humane techniques, not that "I gotta be a dominant pack leader" type that totally stresses me out.) Ugh, I've written about that myth before - click here to find out more about my canine point of view on dominance myth in dog training.

Anywho, I was out with mom and dad last week, going for exercise, running errands together (two of my favorite motivators), when they decided to get some positive reinforcement for themselves...Costco yogurt is one of moms favorite after she's gone for a long run. Dad and I sometimes share a hotdog, but this day in particular he decided to get something called a churro.

Since mom is totally into research and studying animal behavior, and dad is into research too (he runs studies where he works), they thought it would be fun to run their own little research project right in the middle of the Costco parking lot!

What was the study? Which treat this inquisitive canine would find more motivating: Frozen yogurt or Churro. You'd think I do backflips for both, but like mom teaches her dog training class students, each animal is an individual when it comes to likes and dislikes, and it's important to determine which motivators work better for certain situations, then use them to your advantage as opposed to giving everything away for free!

Don't get me wrong, I'll take anything I can get...I'm no idiot. But if mom learns from studying my behavior that I like one yummy item, or activity, more than another, she might use it for rewarding me during those times when the behavior might be more difficult for me to perform - such as coming when called when the garbage or mail trucks are around. She's not one to assume I'm thinking or feeling a certain way, she comes to conclusions by studying my behavior.

As you can see from the pictures, mom and dad presented me with both items, for three trials total. I would have done a lot more, but 1) mom and dad didn't want me to eat all of it (I could get sick) 2) mom and dad didn't want to share (the real reason).

What was the outcome? I'm my mothers son...yogurt wins! I do like the churro, but if I had my choice, the yogurt is numero uno in this inquisitive canine's book of positive reinforcers! Viva la science of animal behavior!! And viva la Costco yogurt!

I wonder what's next on the ol' animal research agenda? Beef versus lamb? Croutons versus potato chips? UPS versus E.J. Harrison? Hmm, something for this inquisitive canine and research geek to ponder.

Halloween Dress Up Makes Dog Training Fun!

2009-10-30T13:03:00.000-07:00

Well it seems to be that time of year again... Large orange orbs are sitting outside our front door, and my mom the Ventura dog trainer feeds me my meals while I'm donning funny outfits.

I love watching her laugh. Why? Because when she laughs that means she's in a good mood. And when she is in a good mood, good things happen for me. We're all so predictable, aren't we? Helps when developing training plans.

Anyway, she often says it's "pet humiliation" but to be honest I couldn't care less about what others think of me. I'm having too much fun. All I have to do is appease her by wearing an outfit, while I get chicken, steak, crackers, and a rousing game of fetch!

What's the big deal? I mean what's the difference between what I'm doing and when you humans wear a suit and get a paycheck? I bet mom and I are having more fun! If you'd like to learn more about how mom taught me to enjoy wearing costumes, check out our Dear Inquisitive Canine dog behavior advice column this week on Noozhawk.

As for other inquisitive canines, I know I'm not the only one playing dress-up. My buddy Josh Spiker of Inside Track Running Store of Ventura enjoys dressing his dogs up too! This is one of his dogs, Mia, the Killer Pumpkin! She looks hot! We'd make an awesome team I'm

sure...maybe we can go trick or treating together!

This year I've dressed up as a turtle and as an appealing banana - something tells me there are more costumes lingering around the house. Hmm, I wonder what they are? Something for this inquisitive trick-or-treater canine to ponder.

The Sight of New Dog Halloween Costumes Means Pavlov for This Dog

2009-10-07T22:06:00.000-07:00

Mom came home with a shopping bag the other day. In it contained what looked to be new Halloween outfits for yours truly. I know it's a big deal is for you humans, especially the youngsters - everyone gets candy and goes to parties. But for this inquisitive canine I think it means I get steak, chicken and leftover baked goods of dads - which isn't a bad deal at all.

Mom, being a dog trainer and behavior counselor, likes to remind her dog training class students and private dog training clients (as well as all of the other pet parents she hasn't met yet) that Halloween can be a time for lots of fun with pets, but it's also a time where you need to be aware of your surroundings. A few simple and gentle safety reminders:

Keep candy out of our reach! Dogs, cats, hamsters, rabbits and other animals that like to investigate, will, so make sure it's all put away. Sometimes pieces fall out of those big bags and land under furniture, which is easy for us dogs to find...Please be aware of where you place these items, especially when they are unattended.
Decorations: Electrical cords, lights, candles, fake spiderwebs and other interesting items can be chewed up and sometimes ingested. Hey, we're not picky - we'll eat almost anything. Please make sure we're not left alone to play with them.
Keep up inside where it's safe. There are some people out there in this crazy world that enjoy hurting us animals, especially during the Halloween season. They also like to blow things up. Sometimes we can get extra scared and run off. So please keep us indoors where it's safer.
Make sure we are wearing our collars with proper ID. Just in case we do get out, or get scared and run off, make sure we are wearing our license and ID tags. You wouldn't want us going to the wrong place, or having someone find us and not know how to get a hold of you.
Plan for helping you answer the door: If your dog is around to help you greet trick-or-treaters, and you don't want him or her running out the door, or jumping up to greet (because that's how we greet you know...we are dogs) then please make sure he or she is on leash to help you. Or, keep them in another room with a chewie toy.
Make dress-up fun! Mom loves to dress me up for Halloween! (Dad too). But she likes to make it fun for me. We play a little game called "Pavlov's Pastime". Mom breaks out the chicken or steak, or other yummy items I consider to be high value, and gives me little pieces but only when I'm wearing my outfit. Or, sometimes we play fetch. As soon as she takes the outfit off of me, all the fun stops! I now associate my dorky outfit with fun times! Now I can't wait to put it on!

Last year I was a lobster...I wonder what I'm going to be this year? Hmm, something for this safe and inquisitive canine to ponder!

Are Us Dogs Really Your Best Friend? Or Are We Just Dogs?

2009-09-20T22:37:00.001-07:00

My friend Carni moved onto that big fluffy dog bed in the sky yesterday. She was 17 years old, but it was still very difficult for all of us to say goodbye to her - Especially her mom and dad.

Miss. Lisa and Mr. J loved her so very much. I saw them today at moms dog training class. Sure they were all having fun playing with their dogs Ferris Wheel and Popcorn, and yours truly, but I know they were hurting inside. I overheard them talking about Miss. Carni.

I can read human body language...there were hugs, and tears, and a certain smell you humans have when you're stressed. Ferris, Poppy, and I decided it would be best to continue playing since that seemed to entertain all of you.

Miss. Lisa spent most of he adult life with her best buddy Carni. They traveled everywhere together - including those times of having to sleep in their car. Miss. Lisa, who happens to be an amazing veterinarian, wrote a beautiful "love letter" to Carni. She gave me permission to pass it along to you. I think it's beautiful, as do my mom and dad.

It has inspired me to go cuddle with my mom. I wonder if you humans experience grief the same way us dogs do? Something for this inquisitive canine to ponder.

_______

Just a Dog 9/17/09

As a human being, dog lover, and as a veterinarian, one of the saddest things anyone has ever said to me was “At the end of the day it’s just a dog”. In the heartbreaking days and nights before I put my beloved Carni girl to sleep I thought a lot about this comment and what “just a dog” meant to me.

To My Sweet Carni:

Because you are “just a dog” you never learned to hold a grudge. You never complained when I hauled you back and forth between California, Oregon, Washington, Oregon and California again. You were happy as long as you were with me. (and we played Frisbee at all the rest stops).

Because you are “just a dog” you never learned anger. You just curled up next to me when we had to sleep in the car because we were “between homes”. It was cold and snowy those few nights, but you kept me warm in the back of that Isuzu Trooper.

Because you are “just a dog” you never learned what “moderation” meant. You ate motor oil, my tulip bulbs, sprinkler heads, chocolate and half my spice rack.

Because you are “just a dog” you only knew how to live in the moment. You swam with abandon in every lake, river, ocean and stream from here to Washington. And even made me go in after you with my clothes on. (To the delight of everyone watching on the shore).

Because you are “just a dog” you loved me ever single second of every single hour of every single day of your almost 17 years. Because you are “just a dog” you taught me that we only need 3 things in life…food, shelter and love. And that is what I gave you and you gave me your heart. You gave me joy, you gave me love. And because you are my oldest friend-I am giving you peace.

Because you are a light that has guided me through almost half my life I won’t watch you just “exist”. You have put me first for 17 years and now because you are “just a dog” and my best friend, I am putting you first. Your quality of life is more important than the heartache I will forever feel when you are gone. You are more important than the piece of me that will forever be missing when I can’t see your sweet face or watch your tail wag at the site of me.

Because, at the end of MY day…just a dog, named Carni, was all I ever needed.

I love you Carni girl.

Dogs Pulling on Leash Can Be an Issue, But Not For This Dog

2009-09-01T09:20:00.000-07:00

I need to have an inquisitive canine moment, hope you all don't mind:

Why is it humans expect us pooches to know how to walk well on leash if we've never done it before? And why would you expect us to know how to walk well on leash if 1) we don't already know how, and 2) you haven't taught us?

If you found us dogs out in the wild, the last thing we'd want to do is have some obnoxious cord strapped to us while we roam, explore and hunt. Leashes are restricting, and frankly, just get in the way of our having a good time. They can also get tangled in various objects, including our own body parts. But since it's a law to have us dogs leashed (unless stated otherwise), it's one skill responsible dog guardians can teach to help promote a happy relationship that results in good times, not frustration.

Why do I bring this up? Well, mom and I get calls and emails all of the time from dog guardians expressing their frustration of how their own dog doesn't know how to walk well on leash. From dog training class students at our inquisitive canine studio and the Ventura College Community Education, to our private dog training clients, and our dog behavior advice column; people seem to need assistance in the matter of walking their dog on leash.

My mom, who happens to be a certified professional dog trainer, and I have written a few blog posts on the art of dogs and loose leash walking. We've also addressed the matter in our dog behavior advice column directly. However, I myself do not have that issue. As a matter of fact, I have the complete opposite - well, at least 99% of the time. If there is a mail, UPS, FedEx, or other large prey item roaming about, I'll pull so hard it makes those Iditarod pooches look slow.

For the most part I prefer a nice leisurely stroll - sniffing, marking, saying hello to

other dogs and humans...life's too short not to stop and smell the roses (or the dead stinky pile of muck.) Mom on the other hand, when she takes me out, enjoys an actual walk! She's a marathon runner herself. Since she knows I'm not like the herding and retrieving breeds that her friends have, she goes for her runs without me, then takes me on mine - this is when she makes it all about me, and not her.

But sometimes she does want me to keep up the pace and actually walk without stopping! Sometimes we even jog - which is kinda fun...I get to eat chicken when I jog. Little pieces once in awhile. She says it's similar to runners getting food and fluids during races. She refers to herself as my traveling aid station :-) I think that's sweet.

Anyway she wants me to jog, or keep a quicker pace because she wants me to do something you humans refer to as "exercise!" This way I'll be more tired and more likely to want to take nappies, versus bark my head off in the yard - she doesn't like when I do that. To me barking my head off is more fun, this is why mom wants to make walking and jogging with her more fun...she's conditioning me to be more like a herding breed. I guess this is good because then I'm in better shape to bark in the yard - or go to agility class!

A few tips I'd like to relay, from an inquisitive canine's point of view:

Make our walks about us once in awhile. If your own dog would rather sniff and explore, allow them to be a dog once in awhile. If you need to exercise, go on your own first, then take your dog for his or her outing.
Use humane, comfortable equipment: Mom and I like the harnesses where the leash attaches in the front. Not those nasty collars that cause us pain! Ouch - who has time to think about how to walk on a leash! We're just trying to avoid having our neck yanked!
Reward us with yummy treats, petting and praise whenever we do what you want! We're more likely to do more of what you want if we're rewarded for it.
Practice-practice-practice! Inside your home with no distractions is the best place to start. Move outside to the real world once we know how the behavior is performed!
If you're going to go for longer distance, build slowly. Just like humans need to build up to higher mileage, us dogs do too. And check our paws to make sure they don't get cut or burned...you don't run around barefoot, but we do. Oh, and if your pooch has physical limitations, or is a younger pup, check with his or her veterinarian to make sure it's okay to go for longer distances.

Mom and I had trained to the point I could run a 5K with her... I wonder when we're going to sign up for a race? Hmm, something for this inquisitive, and conditioned canine to ponder.

Paw Chewing Behavior in Dog is Cause for Concern: Dog Behavior Advice for Alleviating Irritated Paws

2009-08-23T22:21:00.000-07:00

Mom and I have received an interesting question through our dog behavior advice column about a dog that licks her paws. Although this question was addressed to my mom, who happens to be certified professional dog trainer, she and I both thought it would be better for me to address it, since I myself am of the canine variety. Plus I've been known to lick my paws now and again, so in this case, I'm more of the expert.

Q: My dog is always chewing on her feet. I've heard it's allergies to grass. Is that true? Also, is there something I can do to make her feel better? - Emily

A: Well Emily, I'd say there is a variety of reasons why your dog might be licking her paws.

A few topics to consider:

If you think it might be allergies, or another medically related reason, you'll want to have your dog checked out by her doctor. Mom and I don't practice veterinary medicine, we're strictly behavior, so we'd be working outside our scope of practice if we gave medical advice. You can certainly check between her toes and look closely at her skin to see if there is irritation, but there might be something you aren't able to detect that only a medically trained professional can. If you're in need of a vet, you can check out our Inquisitive Canine resources page for links to finding a vet in your area.

When/what time does she lick her paws? More often after playing in the grass? Or at specific times of the day? When she is left alone? Before going to sleep? (That's when I lick my paws...right before going night-nights...mom says it appears similar to young humans sucking their thumbs before going to sleep...just her own observation).

Could it be boredom? Have you provided other items for her to lick/chew? These types of items are referred to as Enrichment. Us pooches like to chew and lick things, so her paws may be the outlet she needs. Providing an inanimate object that she loves might be your best bet for redirecting her feet chewing behavior. Something to try anyway.

Chewies like Bully sticks and antlers are some of my favorite. They last a long time, don't splinter (I hate when things get stuck in my teeth or cause me to choke). Plus, they don't stink up the place, and don't stain the floor or furniture. (Mom is very happy about that!) This is a photo of me and all of my various enrichment!

I wonder if there have been studies on dogs licking paws before taking nappies? Hmm, something for this inquisitive canine to ponder...

Ball Obsession & One Fetching Dog: Which of Your Dog's Behaviors Are Your Reinforcing?

2009-08-12T22:32:00.000-07:00

Mom and I just received another great question through our dog behavior advice column about a dog named Tyler. According to his dad, Tyler is more interested in playing fetch at the dog parks - instead of wanting to play with other dogs. Even though Tyler's humans left the ball and "flingy thingy" at home, Tyler, being a dog, would find other balls, and get other humans to reinforce his love of fetch.

My mom the certified professional dog trainer is taking care of our column, but I thought I'd add my two cents from an inquisitive canine's point of view.

First off I say to Tyler's dad: Nice job on management. You've at least taken some steps by leaving the ball and ball flinger at home... I know when I go to dog friendly places, if mom and dad want me to interact with other dogs, they leave my toys at home. They (mom and dad) wouldn't bring their laptop, book or DVD to a party and start working, reading or watching movies - unless that's what they were supposed to do. No, they'd interact and socialize with other guests. So why do people take their dogs to dog parks, then not want their dogs to interact with other dogs?

One other question Tyler's dad can ask himself: "What behaviors am I reinforcing?" Well, I say you're leaving Tyler to go off on his own and hunt for balls and willing participants. So you're inadvertently rewarding "fetch", albeit passively. If that isn't the desired behavior, then you need to ask yourself: "What behavior do I want?" I venture to say: "Playing with other dogs."

If that is the case, then that is the behavior you need to reward - with extra pieces of steak. You see, if you give pieces of steak, chicken, "good boy" etc... to Tyler whenever he looks, acknowledges, greets, shows interest, and plays with other dogs, then that is the behavior that will happen more often.

If he goes off and starts to hunt for balls, you can give him a "Too bad!" and leash him up for 20 seconds or so... You'll also want to mention to other humans that Tyler is learning how to socialize with other canines, so if they would, please refrain from throwing balls... But they can certainly give Tyler a "good boy!" whenever he says "hi" to their dog.

I wonder when mom or dad are going to take me to the dog park again? I wonder when we're going to take another road trip north? I wonder if I'll ever get to meet Tyler? Hmm, something for this inquisitive canine to ponder...

When it Comes to Leash Walking This Dog, I Say Think "Aerosmith"

2009-08-05T21:59:00.000-07:00

As the brilliant Steven Tyler says "Walk This Way!" And I have to agree. I also agree with what my mom the rockin' certified professional dog trainer says. Mom teaches this stuff in her dog training classes and loose leash walking workshops. She also has some great tips on loose leash walking on her own dog training tips blog, but I thought I'd add to it since I'm the one at the other end of the leash:

Divide the lessons into simple steps: Think baby steps! Short and steady wins the race! Too much too soon can lead to failure and frustration, for both the guardian and the dog.
3-D training: Separate each parameter of Distance, Duration and Distractions - increasing only one "D" at a time, and either lowering the other two or keeping them at the same level.
Kindergarten - College: Start out practicing in your home, then move it to the yard, then the street (that's part of the distractions segment)
If you have more than one dog, teach one at a time, then put them together (again, distractions)
Walk your dog with user friendly equipment that makes it easier for us, and not correction based. Mom LOVES the Easy-Walk or Sensation harnesses. Both of these items have an attachment for the leash on the front of the chest. Both help to decrease pulling (I hardly ever pull when I wear mine, and usually only when my nemesis E.J. Harrison is around...). Plus, they're comfy, without pressure on my neck or face....aahhh. Mom sells the Easy-Walk harnesses at our dog training studio in Ventura - makes them easily available for students.

The ever so caring and savvy dog mom of two poochies recently wrote to our Dear Inquisitive Canine advice column about how to handle distractions while out one walks. Mom suggested some of the above info, with special emphasis on the "3-D's" - those distractions can be soooo....distracting!

I wonder if mom would be more distracted by a bread bakery or a chocolate store while out walking? Hmm, something for this inquisitive canine to ponder.

Dog Behavior Myths: Social Butterflies Versus Packs

2009-07-21T22:15:00.000-07:00

Being a true inquisitive canine, I must ask the humans out there "Who came up with this whole 'pack' mentality mumbo jumbo?" Is it because we have descended from wolves? Wolves travel in packs because they have to hunt large prey - the large, fast (and delicious) beasts require more than the lone wolf to take it down...hence, the reason wolves form packs - it cuz they're hungry and gotta get the job done.

As for us domestic canines, well, you don't see stray dogs forming packs do you? Nope - they're either found, end up in a shelter, become feral, or die. But they certainly don't roam the neighborhoods forming packs. I believe you humans do that more than us dogs. I've heard about the "gang" "clique" and special groups such as "yahoo" and "google" phenomenon.

My mom the rockin' Ventura dog trainer clears up this kind of stuff in her dog training classes and dog training workshops. Allow me to continue to clear up the muddy myth waters of us canines right here in this dog training blog:

We're SOCIAL animals!
We enjoy being with our family - whether it be one person, or an entire mob.
We don't enjoy being left alone, especially if we're not used to it.
When left alone, sometimes we get bored (that results in finding our own entertainment), or scared (try to escape, don't eat, howl for help).

A very aware dog mom wrote in to our Noozhawk dog behavior advice column about her own dog being left alone, and some concerns she had. Allow me to elaborate on some of the issues I mention above:

Sometimes we get bored - and then find our own means of entertainment - which are often activities you humans don't appreciate. (Check out my friend Nellie - she used to redecorate her mom and dad's condo - they didn't appreciate it, but have since given her new and fun activities).

Sometimes we get scared. Yours truly here doesn't like certain noises. One time the smoke detector batteries died, and the little device was making all sorts of weird noises. When mom and dad came home, I was all trembly and scared. Just wanted to get outta here!

As mom says again and again in her dog training classes and with her private dog training clients: "Don't wait to train a behavior when you need that behavior." In this case, it's best to crate train and condition your dog to be left alone before you're having to head out the door, rushed, for a long period of time. It's best to do lots of "dress rehearsals" so your dog gets used to being left alone, and actually begins to enjoy it.

So, speaking of descending from other animals, I've heard you humans have descended from apes. Well I wonder, do you live in tree's flinging poo at each other? Hmm, something for this inquisitive canine to ponder.

I'm No Crash Test Dummy Dog, And Neither is My Ventura Dog Trainer Mom

2009-07-18T18:09:00.000-07:00

Gone are the days when children would ride in their parents laps while driving, helping them steer the car. Yep, my own mom the rockin' dog trainer here in Ventura, got to do that with her mom in the family Buick. No seat belts...just giggling and having fun.

Well, times have changed -a lot! One of mom's motto's is "safety first!" Check out some of her dog training tips in her blog. This safety issue includes yours truly riding in style (and safely), no matter where I'm headed! I don't get to sit in laps (while we're driving).

Nope, as mom says: "If it's not safe for a human child, how could it be safe for our pets?" I think this is what she's talking about. Check out this great dog car safety video that mom and I found on Youtube.

Even before mom became a professional pet dog trainer here in Ventura, teaching her dog manners classes and working with her private dog training clients, she always knew that keeping any animal in a proper car restraint was the right thing to do, and that it makes for being a responsible pet guardian.

I remember when we were driving home from the shelter where I came from, mom made the comment to dad that they were going to have to find some sort of seatbelt or car seat for me. Neither of them wanted me flying out of the car, becoming some sort of projectile and getting hurt.

I'm fortunate enough to have a car seat in both mom and dads car's - plus I have a separate seatbelt for traveling - like when we fly to San Francisco or Colorado - this way no matter whose car I'm in, I can be kept safe.

Mom and I also like to help keep our doggy friends safe too, so she offers the Guardian Gear Safety Car Harness at her studio - and tomorrow she's taking a whole bunch over to our vendor booth at Canine Adoption Rescue Leagues 12th annual Pooch Parade Fundraising Event & Pet Expo.

It's All Fun & Games For This Lucky Dog

2009-07-16T23:24:00.000-07:00

Well it's official! My mom the rockin' Ventura dog trainer and I have developed the bee's knee's of dog training games! It's called "Out of the Box Dog Training Game." And as mom says on the box itself, it's a Pawsitive Training Solution For You and Your Dog! Yes, mom developed it, but I was her inspiration...

This game consists of 56 cards - all with little bite-size pieces of training activities that you can do with your dog! Since mom is always teaching her dog training class students, and her private dog training students that the simplest way to train your dog is to just fit little pieces of training into your daily routines. It's not necessary to set aside lots of time - that's just not very realistic. Mom totally understands how busy people are nowadays. So, she has made it easy for you to get the behaviors you want from your dog!

With the cards you'll also get a nice little Instruction Guide to help you play the game. From figuring out the best way to motivate your dog, to techniques that will help you teach your dog the basic behaviors - all of which you can use throughout the entire time you play!

You just need at least one human and one dog. You can certainly have more, but it's not necessary. You can also adapt the exercises to different skill levels. How great is that??? Plus, it's only $17.95 (plus the ol' tax)

Mom and I will be unveiling this brand new game this weekend at The Canine Adoption and Rescue Leagues 12th Annual Pooch Parade Fundraising Event and Pet Expo here in Ventura! We'll have a booth there, along with many only vendors! Come join the fun, come by and say hello to us, check out the Box Game, and have fun!

I wonder when dad and I are going to play again? Hmm, something for this inquisitive canine to ponder...

Dog Training Demo Dog: How I'm spending my Sunday

2009-07-11T22:15:00.000-07:00

Well, I'm off to bed...this top dog has gotta get his rest because my mom the rockin' Ventura dog trainer is starting her brand new Canine Circuit Training class tomorrow! I'm SO excited! She wants yours truly to come and demo some of the behavior stations. Dad will bring me, plus he is going to lend a hand too...

She has some of her graduates from her Inquisitive Canine good manners classes , and others from her Canine College at Ventura College Community Education. There are a few dogs that are new to the studio - I'm sure they're going to have fun too.

Tomorrows class is FULL! But you can still register for upcoming classes - mom is offering this fun and rewarding class again July 26th and in August. You just need to check the inquisitive canine calendar.

I wonder if I'll get to take the class too? Hmm, something for this inquisitive canine to ponder.

Socialization For Dogs: Great No Matter Our Age

2009-06-27T17:04:00.000-07:00

If you know this 10-pound mutt, and my mom the rockin' certified professional ventura dog trainer, then you know we're all about proper puppy socialization! But what does dog and puppy socialization really mean? Well, I'm here to tell you...

Similar to taking young children out into the world when they're young, just so they can adapt more easily to their environment, and just like enrolling children in tons of activities like music lessons, sports activities, arts and crafts, reading programs, after school programs, day care, pre-school etc...it's important to take us dogs out when we're young. Whether it be to dog training classes, dog social play groups, or friends houses.

This doesn't mean to endanger us in any way... mom and I would never suggest that! But taking

us in the car to different places. Or taking us to places where we can sit in our humans lap and be exposed to the environment - different smells, sights, sounds, even getting to say hello to all types of people is a great way to teach us how to adapt to the industrial revolution. After all, if you want us dogs to conform to your human world as adults, it's much easier to do so if you start us out young... but then again, it's never too late - as long as you make it fun!

Mom has been working with lots of puppies in her private dog training sessions as well as her dog training classes and dog training workshops for new puppies. She keeps stressing the importance of the above mentioned steps - fortunately, her savvy clients have been on top of their game and following her suggestions. Oh boy are those poochies going to be some easy going dogs - they'll probably get to go to lots of places when they're older since they're starting out now! What great moms and dads they have... Just like mine.

Just today dad took me to one of my favorite places - I got to meet a new canine pal - it was great! I got to play, make friends, and socialize. Even though I'm older, I still like doing new things...as long as it's fun and not forced and not scary.

I wonder when we're going back? I wonder if I'll get to see my new friend again? I wonder if next time dad can ask if we can get together for a play-date? Hmm, something for this inquisitive canine to ponder.

This Dog in Training Thinks "It Games" Are Fun!

2009-06-20T12:37:00.000-07:00

My mom the savvy Ventura dog trainer has been practicing a lot of the "it" dog training games with yours truly - and I mean a lot!!!

I had a severe "tap into my predatory drive" moment the other day with the UPS truck. Mom, who is usually very prepared and on top of it, had a lapse in management - needless to say it wasn't a good moment for mom. Me? Yes. Mom, who wanted to relinquish her CPDT title? Not so much.

This just goes to show you: my mom is human too. Just like she teaches her own dog training class students and private dog training clients, no animal is perfect, including humans, and you just never know when that one moment of despair can occur.

Since that time, about a week ago, mom and I have been practice lots of "Leave it!!!" This is a behavior she teaches in her dog training classes and dog training workshops as well. Her definition of "Leave it!" is "Stop what you're doing and get over here!!!"

Whether I'm about to go after something, like my favorite prey E.J. Harrison, UPS, and FedEX, or my nemesis the USPS mail trucks, mom will use "Leave it!" - she uses a more stern voice, I come running, then we trot off to the fridge or dads cookie jar for a snack. Yep, I get leftovers from mom and dad...but more motivating than my usual.

Just a little tidbit - but I tell you, it's been a lot more fun than going after the trucks. I can see why - pieces of ginger cookie or blueberry coffee cake are much more appealing - especially if I don't listen to mom. If I ignore her I end up in the bathroom or closet for a time out - trust me, leaving the trucks and having snackies is much more fun!

As for the other "it" game - called "Find it!"? That's an easy and fun one. Mom (or dad) toss a piece of food on the ground and then says "Find it!" I go in search of food with my highly skilled canine nose...I do like to hunt ya know.

Mom uses that to either distract me - like when we're walking by loud trucks, or dogs and people I'd rather say hi to (and we don't have time), when she wants me to get out of bed to potty before she goes to sleep, and when she's too lazy to clean something off the floor she dropped while cooking! Doesn't matter to me - I'm always rewarded with something fun...

Hmm, the mailman has already been by...I wonder when she's going to cook again? Something for this inquisitive canine to ponder.

Dog Birthdays: More excuses for humans to humiliate us dogs

2009-06-15T21:47:00.000-07:00

Well, today is my birthday! At least that's what my mom the ventura dog trainer says... It was actually anniversary of the day she and my dad adopted me from the animal shelter. I'll never forget it...They were so cute, sitting there in the yard of the facility, concerned looks on their faces because they weren't sure if they were going to find a cute dog like yours truly here...

Once I bounded out of the house with the tennis ball in my mouth, that

all changed! Both my mom and dad got these smiles on their faces that were wider than the UPS truck is long! And they were giggling - having fun...they immediately said "We'll take him!" And here I am. That was Father's Day, 2003...That was the smartest move they've ever made - mine too.

We started the day with playing Garbage Truck Monday - not moms favorite activity, but I sure enjoyed myself - until she locked me in the closet to manage the situation. It's not that she was mad at me, she just doesn't want me running amok, getting upset, jumping up and down on things...I could easily hurt myself. Mom knows, and teachers her own dog training class

students and private dog training students that if you don't have time to train, manage the situation - which she did. It wasn't a time-out! I got my Tricky Treat Ball and played with it while in the closet...not too bad for this older and wiser dog.

Anyway, we later mom and I took a road trip to met up with some of my pooch pals over at Kimball Park for walkies...Chief, Ferris, and Gutterball were there...along with their humans. We strolled around the park, meeting and greeting others, eating chicken and other tasty tid-bids. Mom's friend Miss. Kathy brought a birthday meat cup-cake... It was yummy...we all shared although I would have liked to guard it.

After walkies Mom, Miss. Lisa and Ferris met dad over at Portola Starbucks for snackies. Ferris and I practiced our down-stays while chewing on our bully sticks. Mom was smart to teach this behavior in her Manners Class - so us dogs knew what to do when we were out in public. We were behaving so well - got lots of compliments from other humans around.

We then spent most of the afternoon working on our dog behavior advice column, then went for an evening stroll with dad, and finally a nice birthday dinner. I had my birthday broccoli, Tricky Treat Ball (with my candle that Miss. Kathy gave me as a reminder of how older I am), and finally some vanilla pudding - that I had to share with dad. YUM!

As you can see from the pictures, mom had me wearing this silly hat - at least every time I had it on my head she gave me yummy high value treats - mostly chicken and pork tenderloin. I love my

little green hat...And I love that mom and dad made this day very special for me. I had a great celebration.

I wonder if mom is going to have broccoli on her birthday? Hmm, something for this inquisitive canine to ponder.

Finding A Responsible Pet Sitter: Who's Going To Take Care of This Dog?

2009-06-04T09:12:00.000-07:00

I admit, I'm one lucky dog! I get to keep busy doing lots of things, like working with my mom the dog trainer. Including going to the inquisitive canine studio where she teaches her dog training classes and workshops when she uses me as her demo dog. Other times she brings me along to help with paperwork and inventory, or work at the computer - like now with my blog or sending a tweet on twitter.

I'm fortunate that she works her own schedule. This means she doesn't have to leave me home by myself very often. And if she does, it's usually for just a few hours. But what about those times when she and dad are gone all day? Or if mom goes to a dog training workshop out of town and dad is at work all day? What about me? Like many dogs I don't enjoy being alone. I don't destroy things like some dogs, and I don't get scared enough to want to escape. It's just being a canine, I am very social - I like to be out and about, or have people home with me.

Thankfully, my mom the savvy dog trainer knows this...and has found the perfect solution for those times when she and dad need to leave me for longer periods: a professional, qualified, responsible pet sitter! Her name is Angel, of Angel Eyes Pet Sitting. She's here right in our own town of Ventura!

Mom asked me what I would like to see in a professional pet sitter, and I told her. She asked that I share it with my readers since you might be looking for such a person yourself. What is my "wish list" for finding a professional pet sitter? Simple. Someone who:

really cares about me and my safety.
will take care of my needs, just as my mom and dad would.
knows what to do in case something bad should happen.
understands my dogginess and doggy behaviors.
my mom and dad can trust to be in our home when they aren't here.
is going to respect the needs and requests of my mom and dad.
has a good reputation and who is willing to share references.
shows professionalism and responsibility.
tells you what is included in their duties, and what my mom and dad can expect.
shows initiative, and asks my mom and dad questions about what he or she needs from us.

Angel is certainly all of these things. She's worked with animals professionally for a very long time. She understands my doggy quirkiness and allows me to be a dog. She spends our time together making it about me! She respects my mom and dad, asking all the right questions to make sure I am safe. Including my:

medical history: I have an old neck injury and can't get too crazy with the whole "grab and shake" activity.
behavior history (keep me away from trucks and other large prey)
feeding schedule: food during training or in my toys only - no bowls, unless it's my veggies.

Angel also shows up on time and keeps in contact with reports on how I'm doing. How great is that? If you want to have Angel look after your pets, or to find out more, check out her Angel Eyes Pets Sitting website.

I wonder when mom and dad are going to be gone all day again? I wonder when I'll get to see Angel again? Hmm, something for this inquisitive canine to ponder.

Us Dogs Should Be Allowed to Play With Our Food

2009-05-28T22:11:00.000-07:00

You may not believe it, but this dog rarely eats out of a bowl... My veggies yes, because they're kinda messy, but other than that, it's all about eating on the go! My mom the certified dog trainer and I just got another question sent to our Noozhawk dog behavior advice column all about a dog that developed some undesired habits - we think it's mostly due to boredom - this is another reason why enrichment can be so useful!

I love all my fun toys that my mom the dog trainer and my dad give me. Even if my mom accidentally drops a piece of my food on the floor, I will still go after my Tricky Treat Ball first...it's more enriching for me. Since I don't get to go hunt for my own food, this is as close as I'll get. I am a predator ya know. The extra activities keep me mentally stimulated. Plus, I keep active much longer than I would if I just ate my meal out of a bowl.

You should do this for your dog too! You can give your dog their meal while you eat yours. Then they're less likely to bother you while you eat. Of course any leftovers can be stuffed in one of those Kong toys. My mom, being the savvy trainer and creative cook she is, does this for me too. As long as it's healthy for me, she allows me to have whatever she and dad are eating. But she doesn't just give it away for free ya know - Nope, she puts it in a Kong toy, then freezes it for me to have later... You can see me playing with my food in the video that mom made.

I wonder what mom and dad are going to have for dinner tomorrow? I wonder if I'll get any leftovers? I wonder if mom ever eats her chocolate out of one of these toys... Hmm, something for this inquisitive canine to ponder.

Dog Play-Dates: It's only fun until someone - or dog - gets hurt

2009-05-17T07:59:00.000-07:00

Like many of you humans, you don't necessarily like every other person you meet, right? Well, just because I'm a 10 pound mutt that knows a lot, doesn't mean I like every other dog I meet... However, with proper "first impression" dog training steps, it can be easy for me to do so.

Unlike many of you "mature" humans, us dogs don't have an underlying, pre-judgement agenda. Sure we may have learned by associations (classical conditioning) that some dogs predict certain events - even certain breeds that look alike. And, whether following events are pleasant or unpleasant, we'll bring that "baggage" of emotional history with us. However, with the right training, you can help us like whichever dog you want us to.

My mom, who happens to be a certified dog trainer, just answered one of our Noozhawk advice column questions that had to do with this very topic. A caring dog guardian in Austin Texas was asking about what to do with her own shy dog and her neighbors exuberant (and a bit pushy) Pomeranian. Seems the Pom was "picking on" her dog every time they walked by. Whoa, been there done that! No fun...

From this dogs point of view, I'd like to add a thing or two. A couple of dog training tips that mom has done with yours truly, and a few of my own tidbits...

While I'm on my leash, whenever mom and I walk by another dog, I get little treat. Now, whenever I see another dog, or hear another dog bark or tags jingle, I look straight at mom for my snackie. I love when other dogs are around.

If I'm off leash, romping about, or if another dog should come up and want to say hi to me, mom acts like a cheerleader, praising me for being polite and a good boy, then rewards me with yummy chicken! (That's my favorite).

Another one of moms dog training steps is her Barking Protocol. This is the one she has her Inquisitive Canine students follow in her dog training classes, dog socials, workshops, and even with her private training clients. The Barking Protocol is simple: whenever another dog barks, your own dog gets a treat. If your own dog is barking, ask him or her to do something else, then reward them. Simple.

Mom gave the nice lady in Austin some great dog training tips, both in our Noozhawk advice column and on her dog training tips blog. You can check them out yourself. And, if the mood strikes, you can even ask us your own question about life with your dog.

I wonder when we're going out to look for other dogs? Hmm, something for this inquisitive canine to ponder.

Dog behavior and size: It's not about me, it's about getting in my face!

2009-04-26T19:58:00.000-07:00

Okay folks, enough of the "small dog syndrome" label, please. I know I'm short, but if I'm snarking at your dog, it's not because I'm small, it's because you're pooch is getting up in my face! You don't hear me asking Mastiff's "Hey, how's the weather up there?" Do you?

Anthropomorphism: an ugly word when it comes to us pet dogs. Let me say it again, "pet dog"! I'm not a human. Yes, my mom the rockin' dog trainer even knows that I am a dog, not a human. And yes, my dog trainer mom, is in fact a "dog mom" too. She coddles me like a baby, and gets all giggly with me, but she does know I'm a dog.

Why do I bring all of this up? I'll tell you. Mom and I were out loose leash walking with friends the other day. A new friend and her dog joined us. Well, this new dog, who shall remain nameless, got all up in my face...for a bit too long. I was nice, let it go for a few seconds, but he really pushed it. So, I did what any normal, well socialized dog would do, I snarked at him! "Dude! You're hangin' in my face wayyyy tooo long! Back off! Maybe where you come from this is okay, but in normal doggy greeting world, that's totally inappropriate!"

As soon as I sent him my "back off" signal, he did, which was totally cool. I communicated, he listened, all was right with the world. What irritates me was the humans response: "Gee, Poncho, what's the big deal? Little dog syndrome, huh?" I think this is where mom rolled her eyes...

Let me be clear: size doesn't matter much when it comes to dogs communicating with one another. Whether it be a Great Dane or Teacup Chihuahua, if either gets in my face too long, I'm gonna snark. Just like dogs who snark at me if I myself don't mind my good manners.

I understand that the whole "little man syndrome" is part of your silly, looking for an excuse, human world, reason for my dog behavior. But let me tell you, in dog world, it ain't! I can almost bet my favorite bully stick that if some stranger got all up in your face you wouldn't be real keen either. I wonder if you might even snark too! Hmm, something for this inquisitive canine to ponder.

Dog Laws: We Don't Need No Stinkin' Badges... Uhh, Yes We Doo-Doo

2009-04-22T16:42:00.000-07:00

As a law abiding canine, I'd like to send a BIG click-treat to all you law-abiding humans. My mom the rockin' dog trainer and I were out and about, training for my upcoming 5K, and I had to you know what...(#2, do my business, etc.) Anyway, this really nice lady complimented my mom for cleaning up after me.

Wasn't that nice? She and I both don't understand why, considering it's a law! Yep, just like littering is against the law, so is not cleaning up after us doggies. I can't believe there has to be laws for this - I would think common sense would dictate that you humans wouldn't want dog doody left all over the place... I guess some people just don't care. What a shame.

Well, in honor of us dogs, you humans have created an annual holiday from April 20 - 26, called "National Scoop the Poop Week"! You can read more about it on the Association of Professional Animal Waste Specialists (APAWS) website - they're the ones who came up with it. I say, not such a bad idea.

Speaking of dog laws, there are a few others I'd like to bring up. Why? Because, as a dog, I like to be kept out of harms way. These laws were created to protect us poochies, not to make you humans nuts:

Collars with ID's: Mom says she still doesn't understand why many dog guardians don't have collars and ID tags for their dogs. Humans always carry their own ID and wallet on them. They also have special ID tags just for human children. So why not help protect us dogs?

Mom, being a great dog trainer and responsible dog mom, likes to explain to her dog training class students and private dog training clients that dog collars are like wallets, and that they should only be used to carry ID (doggy license) - they can also be used to match an outfit, but carrying a license and name tag with phone number are the main reasons. All dogs are required to have one in California.

Leashes: ugh, as much as I hate them, I know they're a law in our town of Ventura. Unless it's specifically written for all to see, us dogs need to be on leash when off of our own property. It doesn't matter if your dog is well-mannered, it's a law! Even if you can drive really well while under the influence, it's still illegal to drive drunk!

You should probably check out your own local dog laws so you can remain a law abiding citizen. This is one resource mom uses for our laws: Dog Law. They have some great information on everything from leashes, tags, and for when we bark too much.

And finally, requiring dogs to be restrained with seat-belts, with or without car seats! Oh wait, that's not a law! How silly!

Hmm, I wonder when they're going to create that law? Something for this properly-secured-in-his-car-seat inquisitive canine to ponder.

Dog Training Steps For First Dog: SOCIALIZATION!

2009-04-15T14:44:00.000-07:00

Congratulations to Bo Obama! From what my mom the dog trainer said, he found his way into the First Family via Senator Edward Kennedy - got him from a family that was having trouble caring for him... that's questionable, but I won't comment - mom did that for me.

Okay, remember what happened with Barney Bush and nipping the (lack of common sense) reporter? Boy, Barney was called all sorts of names: dominant-aggressive, evil, annoyed - just to name a few, from many folks. The reported said Barney "wasn't in the mood to be pet." Well I've never met Barney, but from what I saw on the Barney Youtube video, it seems like he was behaving more like a dog, and the reporter was behaving more like a human - and unfortunately, the greeting skills of each species just didn't mix well. Oh, and yes, maybe he just wasn't in the mood to be touched by a stranger!

As for me, Poncho the dog, I don't appreciate someone I don't know just coming up to me, reaching over me, and touching my head! You humans don't like people just coming up to you and touching you, do you? Or strangers approaching your human kids and touching them? Even if you know the person, sometimes it isn't appropriate or acceptable - why the heck do you think us dogs enjoy it?

Remember, you all have your own weird way of greeting. That hugging and shaking hands stuff is kinda strange to us. We dogs never said we liked being hovered over and touched on top of the head. That is your silly interpretation. Sure, we get used to it, especially if you follow it up with something wonderful, like a treat, or that goofy baby-talk, or a belly rub - but it takes awhile for us to get to know you and make these associations. Please don't assume just because we're dogs that we like everything and everyone - you don't, do you?

Okay, so what's my point in all of this? Let's hope that the Obama's take the time to socialize Bo to all of the people that they'll want him to like, all the places they'll want him to enjoy going to. They need to help Bo create those pleasant associations with all of those things. Maybe a field-trip or two to different places - the girls schools with all of those kids. Mr. Obama's office? Or to a press conference to get used to those pesky reporters...

Mom teaches her students about the importance of socializing their dogs...she says "Anything you want your dog to like or do as an adult, it's best to get them used to it when they're young." She says not to force them to like something, but to "pair" the person or place or situation with something that the dog loves, then they'll begin to love that person, place, or situation, because they associate one thing with something good. The following is a partial list of what mom recommends for good socialization:

People: different ages, races, sizes, shapes.
Places: cars, outside to potty in the rain, vet's office (just a drop-in to say hi), outdoor cafe, walk the perimeter of a shopping mall - cars, people, sounds and smells.
Sounds: loud noises, cars, trucks, buses, sirens, thunder and lightening, fireworks, wind.

Hopefully the First Family will take the right steps in taking Bo to a dog training class, or working with a private dog trainer, to help them properly socialize him - especially to being handled by reporters.

Us dogs are a pretty good judge of character. I wonder if Barney was actually dialed in on this reporter and his true personality? Hmm, something for this intuitive, and inquisitive canine to ponder.

Giving This Dog Treats: "liking you" versus TRUSTING you

2009-04-12T22:42:00.001-07:00

Sometimes when mom and I are out in public, and I want to say hello to someone, she will often hand them some of my treats for them to give to me. Sometimes people will say "Oh, you want your dog to like me?" Ugh, if I could talk in human language, this is what I'd say: "It's about trusting you, not "liking" you!"

I've learned from overhearing human conversations, that you "don't take candy from strangers". Well I agree - if some random person just walked up and handed me food without my mom the dog trainers permission, it might not be a good idea for me to take it. She and my dad are always watching out for me, so this sort of thing doesn't usually happen. If someone wants to give me a treat, they ask permission first.

But let me make it clear, food to us dogs is one way that you humans can help build trust between us. That's what it's all about! Goodness gracious, "liking you"? No no, it's more about, can I trust you to take care of me? Provide good things for me? Care for me? Keep me safe and out of harms way? It's all about "nurturing"! And food is definitely nurturing...to every animal.

Once we trust you, we can begin to associate you with wonderful things...and that's what our goal is. You're not much different ya know. Your entire human world revolves around food...in every culture. You bring meals to others because you care, not because you want someone to like you, right? Mom posted something about the human world food culture in one of her blog posts....

So the next time you're out and about, and someone wants to give your dog a treat, go ahead and let them... building trust in the human race!

Hmm, I wonder when mom and I are going out again? I wonder if she'll have other give me treats? Something for this inquisitive canine to ponder...

This Dog Has Developed His Own Triathlon: Why enrichment is still important for your dog

2009-04-03T11:22:00.000-07:00

Yep, me, Poncho-the-dog has now officially created his own triathlon! Not being a breed specific water dog, or a animal that can ride a bicycle, I've had to develop my own "course". So here it is:

Running with my mom the dog trainer
Retrieving my favorite toy du jour
Barking at trucks, big and small, especially diesel.

You'd think, just like my mom thought, that after getting me to my race distance goal of 3.11 miles today (yippee mom! I'm ready for my 5K), that I would have been tired enough not to do anything but nap... that was her goal after all, since she has to go to one of her private dog training sessions and wanted to leave me nice and tired so I'd take nappies instead of practicing event #3. But nope! I wanted to practice the other two events as well.

Lucky for mom she went to plan B...giving me my lunch when she walked out the door, and managing the home environment: access to area outside to potty, but not the full yard to run amok in. Hmm, clever girl she is.

This is how mom plans her days and works my meals and activities into her own schedule, to make it work to her advantage. You can do this with your own dogs too. Mom says instead of giving meals away for free, you humans should use them when you need them!

For instance, if you're going to leave your dog alone, provide some enrichment for them. It's similar to leaving human kids at home with games, movies to watch, books to read, and snacks.

You can leave interactive foods toys stuffed with your dogs meals. Or a "kibble hunt" - sort of like a scavenger hunt. Hide food items in safe areas of the house - inside or outside.

You can't expect us highly active animals to entertain ourselves all day

long without some sort of guidance? Cuz ya know many of us dogs will find our own entertainment - sometimes you humans don't like the choices we make, so it's up to you to help us make the right decisions. Look what happened with my friend Nellie. Her mom learned very quickly, and Nellie hasn't done any redecorating since!

I wonder when mom and I are going running again? I wonder if mom is ever going to organize a real custom triathlon event for me? Hmm, something for this inquisitive canine to ponder...

The Vet's Are Finally Pitching Their Tents in My Camp!

2009-03-29T22:08:00.000-07:00

Great news everyone! The American Veterinary Society of Animal Behavior has released an official position statement on their view of Dominance Theor y and how it relates to training us domestic dogs...and the fact that it doesn't work - at least it doesn't really work as far as educating us on the behaviors you want. It just bullies us into stopping a specific behavior, but only temporarily - and makes us scared.

A few key points the article makes are:

Definition of dominance: a relationship between individual animals that is established by force/aggression and submission, to determine who has priority access to multiple resources such as food, preferred resting spots, and mates. Uh, hello??? You determine what, when, and how much we eat; where we sleep, and if we're allowed to breed at all! So who is really being the "dominant" one?
Types of trainers the AVSAB recommends: those that follow the scientifically based guidelines of positive reinforcement, operant conditioning, classical conditioning, desensitization, and counter conditioning. Rock on for my mom the dog trainer!!!
Myths about wolves versus dogs and behavior: Ugh! We're dogs we're not wolves! You humans descended from apes... need I say more?

Yep, my own mom is this exact type of trainer. All of her dog training classes, workshops, private training plans, and even her doggy socials are based on these types of training methods. Not the old fashioned stuff that drives us dogs nuts!

I wonder if any of those great veterinarians out there are ever going to make an official statement about car safety for pets? Hmm, something for this car-seat riding inquisitive canine to ponder.

This Dog Agrees With You Humans: "It's not you, it's me."

2009-03-26T19:57:00.000-07:00

I don't get it, really, I don't. "What" you ask? I'm talking about the whole "breaking up with your dog" situation. I've heard that old song, "Breaking up is hard to do." But I guess when it comes to many of you human-folk deciding you don't want a dog any longer, you just decide to end the relationship and "break up" with us... And when you say "It's me, it's not you." I believe it! And, I completely agree... it is you!

Before a person decides to bring home a dog or cat, or any pet for that matter (or having a child), or making other type of long term commitment, please allow me a moment to ask you a few questions. These were similar "before you adopt" questions my dad and my mom the dog trainer asked before bringing me home:

Do you honestly have the time? It takes more than a couple of ten minute walks around the neighborhood...especially if we're young and energetic.
Are you willing to rearrange your current schedule and lifestyle to make the time for a pet?
Are you financially able to take care of the most basic needs of a pet? This includes food, health care, shelter, collar, bed, license, legally required vaccinations? Multiply these items by days/months/years, depending upon the item/service and lifetime of the pet. Remember, this doesn't even include the "fun stuff" like training classes, toys, treats, an extra bed, crate, car seat, etc...
Are you able to adapt to any other changes that might occur throughout the lifetime of your pet? What if you have to move? Change jobs? Get married, divorced, have human kids, take a vacation?

My mom has received a few phone calls and emails about people having to re-home their pets because they can't seem to handle them any longer - they basically want to "break up" with them. Don't they realize that us domestic animals aren't creatures they can just kick to the curb? We're not furniture that can be stored in the garage either...

Please, for the sake of humane treatment, think about the responsibilities before bringing a pet home... and once you make that commitment, stick with it. If you're frustrated with the situation, do all you can to educate yourself about solving problems, before you end up creating even more.

I wonder how humans would feel if us dogs "dumped" them? Hmm, something for this inquisitive canine to ponder...

Fun-Filled Action Packed Dog Training Weekend Coming to Ventura

2009-03-19T22:27:00.000-07:00

I'm SO excited!!! Two of my very favorite Dog Training Aunties are comin' to town May 2nd and 3rd!!! My own dog training mom is helping out and co-hosting with the Puppyworks folks for this very educational and positively rewarding dog training weekend! Who are these fabulous ladies? Well, none other than Ms. Jean Donaldson and Ms. Janis Bradley!

Miss. Jean and Miss. Janis were two of the great mentors and teachers mom had when she was at school at the San Francisco SPCA Academy for Dog Trainers. Mom spent a long time up there learning all about her craft. I missed her terribly, but was fortunate enough to visit once in awhile with dad.

Miss. Jean is also the one responsible for writing the best book ever! It's called the Culture Clash. This is one of moms most favorite books ever! Mom calls it her "bible". Miss. Jean has written lots of other great books too - mom loves all of them. But the CC is still her favorite.

Miss. Janis has written a wonderful book too, called "Dogs Bite, but Balloons and Slippers Are More Dangerous". Mom recommends this book also - it really gives a new perspective about the issues of us dogs biting and causing harm.

It's going to be a full weekend with the conference going all day both Saturday and Sunday. In addition to that, mom and I are going to host a special "Meet and Greet" and book signing Saturday evening after the conference over at our Inquisitive Canine dog training studio.

For additional information on the conference or to register, you can go to the Puppyworks website, or you can contact mom...she can help answer questions too.

I wonder if Miss. Jean and Miss. Janis will need my assistance at the conference? I wonder if they'll want me to show them around town? Hmm, something for this inquisitive canine to ponder...

My Dog Trainer mom is in the Abilene News!

2009-03-13T08:40:00.000-07:00

Mom got a call the other day from a really cool columnist Brian Bethel. He writes for the Abilene online news site called "reporternews". He was covering a story about a new local library program called "Read to a Dog Day". It's where dog guardians can bring their canine good citizens to the library, and have children read to them.

It's great because both dog and children become better socialized around each other, plus it helps kids build their confidence and improve their reading skills. We have a similar program here in Ventura at Ventura County H.P. Wright Library. Mom posted something about it awhile back about therapy dogs and reading.

I wonder if mom would like me to read her a story? Hmm, something for this inquisitive canine to ponder.

My Ventura Dog Trainer Mom Makes the Best Running Partner!

2009-03-11T09:20:00.000-07:00

I'm turning into a "runner"... Yep, me, the dog that's always been energetic, but more of the "grab-shake-kill" kinda athlete vs the herding type... My mom, the rockin' dog trainer here in Ventura, is also a runner - she's the one who is training and coaching me. And she's doing it in a way that's really fun. She wrote about it the other day too...something about taking her own advice about training your dog .

You see, I've always done whatever I wanted while on leash...I just always get to be a dog! Especially when I'm out with dad...(mom sometimes refers to him as "Disneyland Dad"). I just get to sniff, go tinkles and #2, leave my "pee-mail" for my doggy friends, check others pee-mail, roll in stuff, and take my time...unless my nemesis is around (mail trucks!) because then it's on! I've never really "run", especially for any type of distance.

Well, mom decided running together would be fun. After a couple of practice sessions she realized I never did "run" because I've never been taught to. Duh. Sure I can run - much faster than her! But running next to her while on leash for an extended period of time is something completely different for me! This is an actual "behavior" that I'm not used to - so she got really smart, took her own advice and lucky me has his own private dog trainer. And I must say, it's been really fun!

She knows that like all new training plans you need to start easy, and work your way up. We started with walking, mixed in with moments of easy jogging. We didn't start out too far too fast. Mom say's if you do you can risk injury, and she's all about safety and health, and loves me...she would never want me to get hurt.

After a week of that routine she increased the amount of jogging compared to the walking segments. And now, about six weeks later, we're up to two times around at the Kimball Park path here in Ventura, and with a "fast finish"!

How did she do it? Simple... We use my breakfast (or lunch) while we're out training. She doesn't give me a lot (trust me, I could eat the entire bag of whatever she has) - she gives enough to keep me focused, while avoiding the chance of getting me sick - don't want to eat too much. Instead of eating at home, we take it on the road. Mom knows she needs to be careful about overfeeding me, so she's using my meals to her advantage.

The times she rewards me varies...but I'm figuring it out. For walking nicely next to her I get rewarded with kibble. For the actual running part I get something much more yummy - usually baked chicken, grilled steak, roasted pork tenderloin, or lamb baby food....yep, baby food - just a lick or two out of the jar.

She also happens to positively reinforce me whenever we pass by another dog or person, a cyclist, stroller, rollerblader, and anything else I'd like to say hi to or run after. She knows to keep me motivated to run with her instead of wanting to do all of those other things. She is one clever trainer because it works! Check out the video that dad took of us.

I feel really bad for the other dogs out there...it seems they their moms and dads often yell at them whenever they want to say hi or run with us. I wouldn't like that at all! No fun doing it that way. Moms way rocks it!

Mom made mention of me running a race...maybe a 5K or a doggy specific race. I wonder when we're going to do that? I think the Santa Barbara Athletic Association has some official races for dogs to enter....I wonder if I'll get to wear a number like mom does at her races? Hmm, something for this inquisitive canine to ponder.

A Doggy Jungle-Gym: Dog Agility at Freedom Park

2009-03-05T22:00:00.000-08:00

My mom the dog trainer here in Ventura got to be a student today! She, dad and I had SO much fun! We went to Freedom Park in Camarillo for Canine Agility... We hadn't done that in a long time... Mom said I did really well...I remembered almost everything I was supposed to do...she said it's like "riding a bicycle". I'm not sure what that means, because agility is nothing like riding a bike....except it takes coordination, stamina, and it's really fun!

I think I remembered more than mom when it came to running the course. She couldn't figure out which was her right side...it was funny. Margie, the teacher, is really great. She was helping mom out the whole time. Mom said my biggest "issue" is that I'm too excited!

I keep wanting to run from one piece of equipment to another without waiting for my cue - mom calls that "impulse control". She said it's all about "waiting" - just like other "impulsive" behaviors like wanting to say *hi* to people, wanting to pull towards something, wanting to get through the door before her... Us dogs don't want to take over the world (that's just silliness), we're just impulsive...just like you humans and wanting to get your coffee in the morning or the last parking place in front of Trader Joes. Anyway, mom and I worked on my impulsiveness... just like she teaches her students in her dog training classes.

Check out the video - dad filmed it and mom edited it...we work well as a team.

I wonder if we'll go again next Thursday at 3:00 PM - that's when the beginners course is. Something for this agile and inquisitive canine to ponder...

Talk About Barking Up the Right Tree

2009-02-26T07:49:00.000-08:00

This is one of my latest Noozhawk advice columns. Mom and I really enjoy receiving all of your questions. So feel free to write in if you need suggestions about you and your dog. Sometimes all it takes is an unbiased ear...especially when it comes to barking!

Dear Poncho,

I get so excited that I bark enthusiastically, very very loudly, over and over. I do it at many different times: in the morning when my owner comes to take me out, when she comes home from being away, or when we are getting home from a car ride. I bark very loudly, and sometimes in the car, right in her ear!

I really don’t like the habit, and my owner doesn’t know how to stop me. She tells me “No,” but I generally give it at least two to four more loud barks.
Do you have any suggestions other than muzzling me?

–– TJ

Dear TJ,

You are totally barking up the right tree! Barking is one of my very own favorite activities –– you can ask my mom, who’s a dog trainer. She’s probably heard every type of barking out there and says that my barks could “crack plaster.’’ I’m not sure what that means, but I’ll take it as a compliment.

It sounds like you bark for a variety of reasons –– like all of us dogs. It’s similar to humans talking, yelling and screaming for a variety of reasons. Personally, I appreciate your enthusiasm and zest for life.

I think we need to remind our humans what barking is: Want to read more? Click here to get directly to the rest of my answer...

I wonder if mom will ever stop barking when she's driving? Hmm, something for this inquisitive canin e to ponder...

House-training issues: Where's The Potty?

2009-02-20T16:22:00.001-08:00

This was one of my latest from the Noozhawk advice column mom and I write for...

Dear Poncho,

Could you tell me why my 13-year-old lab, who has never had an accident in the house, will sometimes pee when my parents watch her. They have a female lab and so she likes to stay there, I just don’t know why she discreetly pees when she’s there. It has happened only four or five times over many years, but it is four or five times too many!

Cheers!
Deena

I'm glad Deena wrote in about this, as it is a subject I'm familiar with. Mom does too since she is the one that taught me where the best places to go are. We just got back from a trip where we stayed at a hotel. As soon as we arrived mom took me where she wanted me to go - and I did... then she gave me yummies, followed by going into our fancy room. Two rewards, just for fulfilling a biological urge! How cool is that!?

Anyway, if you're interested in the advice I gave Miss. Deena, you can read it here on the Noozhawk site...just click here.

I wonder when we're going to get to go to another hotel? Hmm, something for this inquisitive canine to ponder...

This Dog Thinks Marathons Are Rewarding Too!

2009-02-15T15:05:00.000-08:00

Here I am in Austin Texas with mom and dad. We're having lots of fun. Mom loves running... I do too, but for a different reason. I'm still kinda unclear why you humans spend so much time running when you're not actually chasing anything...although, mom says you have food and beverages all along the way...sounds like a fun time. I'd still rather be chasing prey, but hey, whatever makes your toys squeak...

As you can see I was helping mom out. Andrew is her number one coach and I am the trusty assistant. I make sure she's following the plan, and heading out the door...I don't allow her to sit at the computer working when I know she has to go out for a run.

I went out on a few runs with her while she was training (that's why I'm napping). We both understand if you want to do well at something you need to practice. She trains hard with running, like her class students do when they practice with their dogs. She says that if you want to succeed at something, you have to practice. If you want to reach a goal, you need to prepare and practice to get there successfully.

I'm off to go walk all over moms legs...she says it feels like a massage...I'm happy to oblige. I wonder when her next race is? I wonder if we'll get to go on an airplane again? Hmm, something for this inquisitive canine to ponder.

Counter Surfing: a great sport for dogs

2009-02-02T14:30:00.000-08:00

I've received lots of questions from owners of inquisitive canines about "stealing" stuff off of counters and table tops... Hello? We're dogs! These are some of our normal traits, and what makes us dogs in the first place...If you wanted a pet that didn't do this, you should have considered getting a turtle or a fish... But, I'm glad to hear you adopted a dog...and I'm more than happy to provide some help.

I've posted the full answer to my friend Baraboo's question on the advice column my mom and I write for Noozhawk, but I thought I'd provide a little info here too... You know, as my web marketing therapist girlfriend Lorrie says: "tell them once, tell them again, then tell them again"... so, here's a few tips on dealing with us inquisitive canines and the sport of counter-surfing:

What dogs are: our doggy DNA says for us to scavenge, hunt, sniff, explore ... That’s what we were born to do! Please remember this. The saying is "Release the hounds!" not "release the humans"!
Management: “Lead us not into temptation.” If you don’t want us to get to something, then put it away! After all, if it’s within reach, and appears interesting, we’re going to investigate! Us canines have been known to be impulsive and lack self-control. Please refrain from leaving things out, especially if you’re not going to keep an eye on us. And if you do, kindly have the integrity to take responsibility for it! (Maybe mom will blog about her latest visit to the Sees candy shop in Santa Barbara).
Play the exchange game, not the chase game: if we have something "illegal", exchange it for something better - this way we'll be happy to give it up, and not develop that other doggy hard-wired behavior of guarding our stuff! You don't really like that one either... And for goodness sake, does chasing us really help matters? Or just turn it into a different game? A game most inquisitive canines love.
Provide Legal Outlets: make sure they're items we like, not ones you think we should like. (Have you ever wanted to return a gift someone gave you?) As a bonus, reward us for making the right choice, this way, we’ll want to do that more often.
Teach us a special behavior: "Drop” comes in handy. You say “drop”, your dog lets go of the item, and you give them a treat ... pretty simple. It's just the reverse action of picking things up with our mouth...instead of retrieving we're dropping something.

I used to counter-surf too...but mom and dad quickly figured out how to solve their problem. Bummer for me...I guess I trained them to pay attention. I wonder if the surf will ever be up for me again? Hmm, something for this inquisitive canine to ponder...

My buddy Josh is a BIG winner!

2009-01-26T18:20:00.000-08:00

I'm SO excited! I just saw on the Ventura County Star news site that my friend Josh Spiker won the Carlsbad marathon in 2:24:56!!! WOW! What an accomplishment! He must be SO happy! And I'm SO proud of him... I know mom and dad are too. We were just in his store visiting him the week before...while mom was trying on new shoes Josh and I were playing. I love going to visit Josh at his store Inside Track. He lets me sit on the furniture, plus if he isn't too busy, he'll give me treats and belly rubs. Check it out, you can see him asking me to sit-stay.

I know he trained really hard for this race! I couldn't imagine all the running he did... fast runs, hill runs, road, trails, long runs, over and over...just so he could get his body in shape for running 26.2 miles straight! And he wasn't even chasing anything edible! I still don't get that, but whatever... maybe it was the people chasing him?

Anyway, this just goes to show ya "life is a mechanical skill". Josh proved that if you train hard, your efforts will pay off. Winning a marathon is pretty huge. What about the rest of life?

Let's take us well-mannered dogs. We aren't born that way ya know...okay, maybe there a few out there - but we need training too. Even just a few minutes a day, going over a few of those skills you want us to have will help pay off in the long run, and make your own dog a winner! Trust me, it ain't like training for a marathon! Even if mom is really busy, she'll throw in a few training moments throughout the day - or get someone like her buddy Josh to do it while she shops for new running shoes...hmm, pretty clever of her...

I know that going after my nemesis E.J. Harrison or the mail trucks help me with running faster. I wonder if Josh likes to chase mail trucks too? Hmm, something for this inquisitive canine to ponder...

Mom Soars With Noozhawk: you can now "Ask the Dog Trainer" directly

2009-01-24T20:32:00.000-08:00

It's official everyone! My mom the rockin' dog trainer is launching a new column on the Noozhawk Web site called "Ask the Trainer". It's for all inquisitive owners and inquisitive canines. Check out the site yourself. You or your dog can write in about training and behavior. You can also direct questions to yours truly if you prefer to have a canines point of view.

Now that both mom and I are spending more time writing, I wonder if she is going to ever buy me my own laptop? Hmm, something for this inquisitive canine to ponder.

Happy Birthday to DAD! A great way to celebrate Martin Luther King Jrs special day too...

2009-01-19T22:12:00.000-08:00

It was dad's birthday today... it also happens to be the celebration day for Martin Luther King Jr. What better way to celebrate both events than with a road trip to one of my favorite beaches: Hendry's in Santa Barbara!

First we stopped to get snackies at one of mom and dad's favorite cafe's called Starbuck's. They're very dog friendly - the outside part anyway. I think they should call it "StarBARKS", but hey that's just my opinion.

After we picked up our "treats" we headed north to play at the beach....ahhh, the cool comfy sand, warm sun, lots of sniffing and exploring, meeting and greeting - it was a fun time. Afterwards we headed to another dog friendly place called Nordstom's. Mom wanted to buy dad something, but they didn't see anything he wanted... so we decided to go to another place called Anthropologie - they're very dog friendly too... you can check out the picture of Cara. She works there...made sure I had water, then gave me treats and scratched my chin...how sweet is that!? She said I could come back any time I wanted...

Even though it was dad's birthday, I was having most of the fun...thanks dad! I wonder if you're going to like the gift I'm giving you? Hmm, something for this inquisitive canine to ponder...

Mickey Rourke is one top dog!

2009-01-12T11:58:00.000-08:00

I guess there was some important ceremony yesterday where entertainment folks received lots of nominations, awards, praise, applause etc... Wow, talk about "positive reinforcement".

Mom and I watched this dude named Mickey Rourke make a speech on YouTube. He won an award for being a great actor in a movie called The Wrestler. I haven't seen this particular film, not yet anyway (movie theaters don't allow us dogs to go inside) but mom and dad said they'd wait for dvd release so we can all watch it together.

Anyway, this guy is so cool! Out of all the people at this show, he was the only one who thanked his dogs! Is that great or what? It seems like he really knows how to appreciate us pooches for what we are, and for what we bring to your lives. Through good times, through rough times, we're always there for you...why? Because you give us positive reinforcement, just by being you.

I'm also thinking that Mickey does what mom teaches in her classes: to pay attention! He probably "catches his dogs in the act" of doing what he wants and rewards them for it. In turn, they reward him. What a great relationship he must have with them.

Here's to you Mickey - I hope you receive lots more awards. Personally, I think you should get one for being such a great dog dad. I wonder if there is such a category at these award ceremonies? Hmm, something for this inquisitive canine to ponder.

Someone Get the Number of That Train: ouch my eye!

2009-01-03T18:20:00.000-08:00

Mom always says "Horseplay leads to tragedy." And oh brother is she right! We weren't even "horsing around" together, my friend Nico and I... we were just running to our moms... the problem was, we were so focused on what we were running towards we didn't see each other coming... and right then outta nowhere, kaboom! Nico hit me like freight train! Ugh! I know she didn't mean to do it...things like this just happen...

I yelped like a little girl (come on, it hurt like crazy!) and the next thing you know my eye was killing me! Mom totally jumped in there to make sure I was okay...she knows that getting hit in the eye can be dangerous (ask her about the Speedway race she went to). Just like you humans our doggy corneas can get scratched easily - especially since eyes like mine stick out a little further than some of those other breeds - and if it's not taken care of, I can get an infection - and believe you me, that is not a good thing.

So, off to The Animal Doctor we went... even though mom knew I'd be fine, and we could probably wait it out, it's best to be safe and just go in to have my eye checked... an infection is much worse to have to treat...Thank goodness Dr. Wilson and her staff were still at work - they said to come in so I could get checked out... You can see me sitting on moms lap, waiting for the staff. I always love seeing them...and it appears from their giggly voices that they love seeing me too - plus they said I did a really good job by staying still and being cooperative. Well shoot I had just been there a couple of weeks before for my annual...

As you can see from the cool picture mom took, Dr. Wilson was doing a very thorough job of checking me out. Great news! I only had a contusion, no scratches or major damage. They gave me something to make the pain go away...then home I went. Mom and dad were relieved, and they felt so bad for me that mom actually gave me my dinner out of a bowl!!! Can you believe it??? Besides my veggies she never feeds me from my bowl...only my interactive toys (which is much more entertaining for me anyway). She didn't want me straining my eye and running into walls or anything. She was smart cuz I couldn't open my eye anyway. Luckily I can still use the keyboard...

I wonder if mom would put a cold steak on my eye for the pain? Hmm, something for this inquisitive canine to ponder...

It's a brand new year!!!

2009-01-01T17:42:00.000-08:00

Wow, where does the time go??? I guess it doesn't really matter since I don't really have to be anywhere at any specific time...All I know is it's New Year's Day 2009! A brand new year!

This smart dog decided to start 2009 off the right way and slept in while mom and dad headed to Santa Barbara for some race...Yep, I changed my behavior...did something different. Instead of getting up with them, and practically begging to head out the door with them, I decided to stay home all tucked in nice and comfy burrowed deep in the bed - talk about "positively rewarding"... what fools they are! It was freezing outside! Mom said it was 35 degree's! Yikes! No thanks! "Have fun" I said... wake me with snacks when you get home...which they didn't do...bummer... instead we hit the road for another fun-filled day!

Yep, all safe and sound strapped into my car-seat, with my kitty toy and bully stick. But this time we headed south! Mom and dad were wearing the type of clothing they use for when they go running... Hmm, I wonder what was up? Well, talk about something different, this time we went for a hike! That's right, this lucky dog got to go back to his "roots"! I could just feel my doggy dna oozing with delight! Back into the wild, smelling all of those wonderful aromas only found in nature: dirt, earth, foliage of every kind, excrement everywhere, leftover aromas of dead animals (they had been snacks for other animals no doubt)...ahhh, heaven on earth for this canine!

Can you believe it? This was probably the first time mom and dad have ever taken me on a real trail for a real hike! You could tell mom was kinda nervous...she decided it would be best to keep me on leash :-( I know I know...but she wanted me to be safe. She knows I have a pretty intense predatory drive (my nemesis and favorite prey animals are E.J. Harrison, FedEx, UPS, and mail trucks), so mom didn't want to take a chance that I'd go after something, even if it was something small like a mountain lion... Trust me, although mom can run, and she's in pretty good shape, compared to me she's not that fast...

Although I was on leash I still had a great time... Turns out we were

meeting lots of our friends... a few of them brought along their dogs too...so it was a great time to be had. Mom tried to hold the leash but I was bolting up the trails...she couldn't believe I could scale the rocks so quickly, with such great ease and elegance. Hello???? I'm a freakin' dog! That's what dogs were meant to do... plus, I'm vertically challenged (short) and have "four paw drive"....makes hiking really easy. Anyway, because dad was clipping along at a nice pace, she handed me off to him... it was great!!! Geez, and she calls herself a runner...

Anyway, once we got to the top of the mountain we all took a little water break... Mom and dad brought some pieces of cucumber for me (I'm not a big drinker unlike the Labra"dorks" that were with us), and wanted to make sure I was hydrated, so I ate some cucumber - great snacks and quenched my thirst. Then we headed back down the mountain and home...They couldn't believe I was out there for almost two hours! Yep, me, the dog who doesn't like to take many walks in the neighborhood was going full force the entire time on the trails. Well, it was different, much better surroundings - plus I saw friends I hadn't seen in awhile... maybe I could go with moms ultra-runner friends...they could probably keep up with me.

I was pretty tired once we got home... I had to have another stupid bath :-( I was smelling so good too! I rolled in some stuff that I thoroughly enjoyed, but mom didn't agree. Anyway, once bath time was over I just hung out on my mat in the kitchen until dinner was ready... I was hungry, but I was pretty tired too - nothing like a good round of exercise to help me relax...I didn't even care about barking at anyone walking by - so you know I was tired... My mom the dog trainer always says "A tired dog is a happy dog, and a happier owner." Check out the photo...mom kept giggling at me - couldn't keep my eyes open, barely kept my head up! But never too tired to skip a meal!

What a great way to begin the new year! I hope that 2009 brings you and your families lots of yummy snacks, enjoyable walks, fun stuff to roll in, and lots of positive reinforcement throughout the entire year!

I wonder when we're going hiking again? Hmm, something for this inquisitive canine to ponder...

Ho-Ho Road Trip!!!

2008-12-25T21:02:00.000-08:00

I love the holidays! Or as we dogs like to say, the "pawlidays". Mom and dad are home more than usual, which means more play-time for me! It's kinda rainy out, and I see those big containers on wheels that mom and dad put their clothes in when we leave town...I think they're called suitcases. Anyway, I also see mom loading up some of my things in my overnight bag - which means only one thing: ROAD TRIP!

Yep, I was right... Into my little car seat, all strapped in safe and sound...Mom still doesn't understand why there aren't laws that require us pets to be secured safely while riding in automobiles... Hopefully someday a law will be passed! Until then, mom and dad use their common sense and try to set examples for others.

Anyway, in addition to safety, mom also provided my bwanky to keep warm, my kitty toy, and my chew bone. She likes to keep me safe, but also provides enrichment too...keeps me from getting bored and barking "are we there yet?" I know I look kinda uncomfortable in this picture, but trust me... everything was great! Sometimes this expression even gets me treats...hmm, mom must be learning, because this time it just got my picture taken. I'll keep trying.

Today we went straight to our destination: Pismo Beach! What a great place. The Cliff's Resort is really doggy friendly - everyone greeted me with their cute squealy voices - which always makes me happy...you can tell just by my body language and vocalization....wiggly-waggly and high pitched squealing with excitement.

It was quite chilly out, but the sun was shining, so once we got our hotel room lined up, mom

and dad and I took to the trails and the beach... I love exploring - especially after a nice rain... the smells are heavenly! It's a shame you humans don't have the acute sense of smell us dogs have. Maybe as you evolve yours will get better.

You can see me running up the side of the cliff, looking around, sniffing, and having a grand ol' time. Dad had my tennis ball, but I wasn't into chasing as much as investigating my surroundings - after all, this is new territory for me...and "new" means more motivating than the usual stuff.

After we played around in the sand, we went back to hotel, walked around, talked with others...the sunset was really pretty - mom too a picture of it, check it out.

After picture time and socializing, we all went and played one of my favorite games...tee-hee-hee...mom and dad call it "hallway ball" - hotels are great for this...not that I'm suggesting you do it, cuz you might get in trouble. But hey, what a great place to run like a maniac playing fetch! Plus, I'm more of a sprinter, unlike my herding breed friends...so a little goes a long way with me - especially if it's a really long hallway. We got a few rounds in, until I was nice and tired and wanted to go back to the room for nappies...and my dinner....

Mom and dad didn't stay in the room for dinner, they were allowed to go into the restaurant, unlike me... So, they left me with my favorite toy - my Tricky Treat Ball...giving me something to do while they were gone. They came back just a short time later and brought me delicious snacks...turkey and roasted veggies! I could still smell prime rib on dad...how come he didn't bring me any of that?

Anyway, we decided the night was still young and went up to the nice lobby in the hotel...I guess you humans like mental activities too - mom and dad played something called Backgammon - as you can see, I was helping mom out...The fireplace was on, the couch was comfy, everything was really nice...a good "pawliday" for everyone. I wonder where we're going next? Hmm, something for this inquisitive canine to ponder...

It's back to dog training school for me!

2008-12-23T22:33:00.000-08:00

Yippee for this lucky dog!!! I get to go back to school in January... Mom's rockin' dog training class is full!!! Wow! And that means I get to go and help her! She always brings me for orientation. As a matter of fact, I'm the only dog allowed to be there! She uses me as her "demo dog"... That's right folks, I get to be the star! But it's not about being "the star"... I just dig helping mom out...okay, I really like the attention - it's fun, it's safe, and it predicts good things for me! Cuz that's how us animals learn, right?

Anyway, if you didn't make it into this round of classes I'm sorry I won't get to see you... There are a couple of other workshops she's having though, so you might want to get into one or both of those... Check out the calendar for all the details.

Oh, and we have a list going - you can get your dogs name on it - if mom gets enough requests she'll add another class... or, you can come hang at the Ventura College Community Education Canine College course...

I wonder if mom will ever let me teach the class on my own? Hmm, something for this inquisitive canine to ponder...

DON'T Give MY toys away!!!

2008-12-18T16:08:00.000-08:00

Uh oh, mom just announced she's having something called a PAWliday sale...? Not sure exactly what that is, but this is what she said in one of her emails she sent me (you can sign up for it too - she sends lots of good information).

I know she wants to help people shop for their own furry loved-ones for the holidays - She's selling all her Kong toys, Easy Walk Harnesses, Tricky Treat Balls, chewies and treats, and toys too!!! I use all of those things... but I hope she doesn't give all her great stuff away...I guess it's good to share though. I wonder what I should get mom for Christmas? I wonder if dad is going to take me shopping? Hmm, something for this inquisitive canine to ponder...

A Special Pawliday Shopping Event!

Sunday December 21st

12:00 PM - 2:00 PM

~Natural Balance goodie bag give-away~

~hassle free parking~

To celebrate this holiday season, THE INQUISITIVE CANINE is making shopping easy and budget friendly. This SUNDAY December 21st from 12:00 noon to 2:00 PM all merchandise is on sale!

That's right! All merchandise including Easy-Walk Harnesses, Kong toys, treat bags, bones and dog treats will be marked down 10% - 40%!!! What a great opportunity for you to shop for your own dog, as well as the other canine friends in your life!

We appreciate your business, and hope you to see you this Sunday!

Happy Pawlidays!
Joan and The Inquisitive Canine

JOAN MAYER
THE INQUISITIVE CANINE, LLC
2159 Palma Drive, Suite D
Ventura, CA 93003
O: 805.650.8500
F: 805.650.8501
joan@theinquisitivecanine.com
www.inquisitivecanine.com

The gift of love...

2008-12-09T20:17:00.000-08:00

Tis the season, right? That's what I keep hearing mom talk about. You humans celebrate by bringing dead tree's into the house, hanging stuff all over them, wrapping lots of goodies and rewards in paper, then giving these things to each other. Okay, well it's gonna take me awhile to figure that one out...I mean come on, tree's are good for sniffing and peeing on, so why would you want to bring it into the house...? Is it a present for ME?

Anyway, the one thing that keeps sticking in my head is the whole idea of giving one of ME or some kitty or some other "pet" to someone else as a "gift". Hello? Can't this be kinda risky? I know some of my former roommates were "gifts". They ended up where I used to live, before mom and dad adopted me... in this nice ladies home called a "rescue".

Well, maybe I can help. These are some questions this inquisitive canine would want answered before someone decides to give someone else a furry friend. And hey, since it's the holiday season, I think I'm gonna call it:

Poncho's Top 10 Things to Ask Yourself Before Gifting A Pet This Holiday Season:

Does this potential pet owner, and all persons living in the same household, really want a pet? Is anyone "on the fence" about bringing a pet into the home? It's important that all humans be on board about changing the family dynamics.
Why does this person/family want a pet? Is it for the family companion? Service work? Protection? Because you think they should have one?
Does this potential pet owner, and everyone involved, have the time to devote to a pet? Some pets take more time and attention than others. Us dogs need physical and mental exercise every day. Plus, we enjoy these activities with our family members and friends.
Can this person/family afford a pet? Besides the expense of food, shelter, licensing, required vaccinations, there's also the chance of unforeseen issues such as illness, accidents, or hereditary problems which can result in expensive procedures and treatments.
Does this person/family live in a place where pets are allowed? All shapes sizes and species? If this person had to move, would the pet be able to go with them.
Is it the right time to add a pet to this person's/family's household? Are there any other stressors that may be impacted by the addition of a new pet? Illness of family members? Marriage? Divorce? New baby? Moving?
What if something happens to the person you give the pet to? Will there be others to help out? Can other arrangements be made?
Does the pet you want to give to this person/family match their lifestyle? Do they travel a lot? Camping? Airplane? At work all day long? Live by themselves? Roommates? Other animals in the house?
Is this person physically capable of taking care of the specific pet? Animals need to be picked up, carried, placed in cars and carriers.
Is the person/family able to commit to the lifetime of the pet? Dogs can live to well over ten years, and cats even older.

I hope I've helped stimulate your mind in making an informed decision about giving the gift of a pet this holiday season. Us domestic animals appreciate being placed into loving and attentive, responsible households, and hope one day there is a shortage of pets because everyone wants one of us. Until then, I'll keep on asking my questions...

Speaking of... I wonder what mom and dad are going to get me this holiday? A new toy? Leftover turkey? A romp at the beach? A belly rub or two? Hmm, something for this inquisitive canine to ponder...

It's MOMS birthday...still!

2008-11-02T20:45:00.000-08:00

Wow, what a great day we've had... you saw from my previous post that today is mom's birthday. We spent a lovely day out and about. Had so much fun I ended up needing a bath. Mom always says you can judge how much fun your dog has had by how many times you have to bathe them!

Well, mom is right indeed because I've needed about 5 in the last week! Good thing she and dad make bath-time and grooming fun! I know in this picture my body language might "say" differently, but trust me, the treats, like the water, were flowing nicely - which always makes for fun "association" learning...

Once I was all "fresh as a daisy" we got dressed and headed south

to our friends the Goren's: Bonnie, Isaac, and Miss. Valerie. Mom and Miss. Bonnie have been friends since mom was born! YIKES! That's a really long time... Anyway, they wanted to throw mom a fun party - so we all met up at one of moms favorite stores - Trader Joe's - thats where we get lots of our yummy food...(hmm, I gotta figure out if they deliver)... After we picked up lots of goodies to throw on the grill, we headed to Bonnie's house where we also met up with some other of moms and Bonnie's friends, April and Randy. They have dogs too - I met them at one of my moms parties at the studio.

The evening was complete with lots of laughter, a great meal and fun socialization! The Goren's have kitties, but they didn't want to come out and play with me...oh well, gave me more time to "stay on my place" and have hors d'oeuvres. Check out this photo - this is the same behavior mom has me do at home while she is cooking dinner. She tells me "go to your place" which is what I do. It's the best choice for me... either I sit on my place, or I get locked out of the kitchen... hmm, only took one time for me to figure out what the best choice is.

I did try and sneak in a spot at the dinner table. I think everyone was done with their meal, because they let me sit there. They were laughing too, saying I was cute. Didn't get me very far because I didn't get anything else to eat. But sitting there was fun. I guess I was pretty tired because mom kept saying how I was falling asleep at the table. Well it was a long day!

We had lots of fun with Bonnie and her family. You can tell by this photo of me on the chair... That's me "digging in my heels". In other words I didn't want to leave! I'm even sticking my tongue out!

Being at the Goren's is what I definitely call "positive reinforcement"! They have a company called "Adventure's 4 Fun" and I'd have to agree, that visiting with them is a fun adventure! I know mom and dad had a great time too, although they were okay with going home to our own place. They kept talking on the way home about about how much fun it was.

Mom really appreciates her friends - says they are like family. She also said this was a great birthday! I wonder what we're going to do next year? Hmm, something for this inquisitive canine to ponder...

Happy Birthday to MOM!

2008-11-02T16:37:00.000-08:00

Wow, what another fun day it was today! Not only is it dia de los muertos, but it's Mom's birthday today too! She decided to take time off from her studio and teaching today, so she could spend it with me and dad just celebrating all day. Fine with me! We get her all to ourselves - which means "road trips for Poncho!"

First mom decided to go run and exercise with her friend Hilary. (It was way too early for me to go...I'd rather sleep in)... Then, after she got all cleaned up, mom, dad, and I loaded into

the car and heading north! The first stop was at one of our favorite coffee joints for beverages and snacks... You can see me here trying to figure out how to drink out of that long green thingy...that's going to be a challenge for me...

Anyway, after we rewarded ourselves with yummy treats (just like dog training classes isn't it?) we hit the road again...this time we walked around some lovely areas - I was the only one who was sniffing around, but mom and dad were enjoying themselves too - I could tell by their body language - relaxed, smiles on their faces, laughing...

Then mom and dad stopped at one fabulous place just for me: the beach!!! Wahoo! I thought it was moms birthday, but this was a great present for little ol' me! As you can see, I was thoroughly enjoying myself. Once again mom used "real life" rewards to reinforce the behaviors she likes... I walked nicely on leash, and to reward me she let me go and roll in everything I wanted to roll in! Mom was even giving me the "thumbs up" for rolling as well as I was... She giggles a lot when I'm gettin' the stink on. Interesting how me getting my stink on is rewarding, or shall I say positively reinforcing for mom!

Dad played the same sort of game. We'd practice me running to him when he called, and in turn he'd throw the ball for me! How much fun is that?!

After we wrapped up our time at the beach, we headed back home... Unfortunately, post-beach time means only one thing: yep, bath-time! But hey, it's always worth it... not only do I get to roll in stinky stuff, but mom and dad make bathing fun - lots of treats during the bath, followed by throwing the ball around while I have the zoomies! I'd say that's lots of positive reinforcement!

Now I'm all clean, and according to mom, smelling fresh, I wonder what else we're doing to celebrate? I wonder, is she is going to wear a birthday hat just like she makes me? Hmm, something for this inquisitive canine to ponder...

Run like the wind MOM!

2008-11-01T17:54:00.000-07:00

What a day! We started off really early today... A nice rainy, chilly morning... Mom AND dad were both in their running clothes... Hmm, early morning on a weekend, both mom and dad dressed for running, could only mean one thing: RACE TIME!

Yep, off to Santa Barbara we went... At first they weren't sure if they were going to bring me, but I decided that for them - I got up early too. Sometimes I prefer to just sleep - but it was windy this morning, and you know from other posts, that I'm not a big fan of the wind...yep I was licking my lips and trembling a little bit - that's the first sign. So mom and dad gathered up my rain jacket, and sweater vest, blanket, and treat bags (different levels of motivation), water, and my poopy bags - cuz ya never know what we have to prepare for, and off we went! ROAD TRIP!

I hung out in the car with proper ventilation, water, and my bwanky while mom and dad went and did their thing. Dad finished first... then we cheered when mom came across the finish line! I'm so proud of mom! She did a great job...

I still don't understand why you humans run like you do, but you're not really going after anything... You're not chasing something and wanting to kill it or eat it.... or move it across the pasture...Anyway, we hung out for awhile, said hi to some other people and their dogs, then headed south.

But wait! Guess what??? We didn't go home right away... We got to stop at one of mom and dads favorite places so mom could get her reward! Starbucks!!! PLUS, and this is the best part - we had a play-date with moms friend and rockin' Web marketing therapist Miss. Lorrie!

I love seeing her...she calls me her boyfriend :-) I'll be her boyfriend anytime she wants!

So we hung out, had tea and snacks...and lots of good conversation. Then south we headed once again! But wait!!! You're right, we didn't go home yet.... nope, we decided to stop off at one of my favorite places: the beach! It was such a lovely afternoon.... The rain had made all

the wonderful smells come out...and for a dog, that's like a bakery or candy store for you humans....

OMG! Just fantabulous! I didn't know what I wanted to sniff first. Well, mom and dad are really cool about me just going about and sniffing away... as you can see by these pics.

(as long as I'm safe of course. I don't go into the rocks or anything, I just stay around on the sand. But my favorite thing to do is roll in all my favorite smells. Just roll and roll and roll...gettin' the stink on! Mom and dad allow me to do this too. They figure its part of my normal doggy behavior, and that I need to do it and get it out of my system... plus, they figure I'm small so I'm easy to bathe. So why not?

After I got my stink on I got to chase the ball...that's always a fun time. Then it was back in the car and home we went. Mom kept coughing in the car and saying how the odor that was coming off of me was making her eyes burn. Hello? She just finished a race! Even though I thought she smelled great, I'm sure dad would think otherwise!

Anyway, once we got home it was into the bathtub for me... Not so bad though. Mom gives me treats while we do the splish-splash routine~ some nice association and positive reinforcement training here... Then I get the zoomies and run around the house. Then they throw my ball in between being dried - more fun associations with bath time, and rewards for me! See? You don't always have to use food to reward us dogs! Rolling, sniffing, and ball time! All good motivators for us!

I'm exhausted! It was a long day, but it was SO much fun! I love road trips with mom and dad. I wonder when we're going again? I wonder when moms next race is? Or dads next race? Hmm, something for this inquisitive canine to ponder...

Wow! What a night!

2008-10-31T23:22:00.000-07:00

This Halloween dealio is pretty cool. Young humans come to our door, I "go to my place", mom gives them treats, then I get to go say *hi* and they give me treats! What a great gig we got going... Treats for everyone!

One of my favorite little treat givers was a little girl dressed up like me! No, not like a lobster, she was dressed like a puppy! She was small and had cute floppy ears, just like yours truly. Anyway, she made a beeline towards me like I was the winning lottery ticket! Kept saying "look at the puppy, look at the puppy"!

I went to check her out, she grabbed me, squeezed me really tight, and squealed like one of my squeaky toys... At first I didn't know what to think - it kinda felt like when mom holds me...but it's also kinda weird ya know? Us dogs don't usually greet each other like that... However, I don't think it would have been a good idea to start sniffing each others rear ends...cuz I know you humans don't do that.

Anyway, mom was paying attention, making sure I was minding my manners...watching my body language because sometimes I don't like being grabbed...right? Just like you, right? But this time I didn't mind it at all... Mostly because I could predict what was coming next, and was excited about it. Bam! there it was! Right in my face! A handful of treats.

So mom immediately rewarded me for being brave and allowing my little friend to handle me - then my puppy friend gave me some of the treats mom had. My little friend also got rewarded for playing nice - she got treats from mom.

What a great night! I totally dig this holiday...I'm sure many of my other dog buddies would agree. I wonder why we can't do this every night? Hmm, something for this inquisitive canine to ponder...

Pass the butter!

2008-10-31T17:36:00.000-07:00

OMG, this is so humiliating...but not really. Just to bust a myth here, us dog's don't really "feel" the same way as you humans when it comes to "humiliation" "embarrassment" "shame" etc... there's enough of that for you all to deal with, so us dogs couldn't really care less... plus, our brains aren't developed that way...

Why do I bring this up? That's easy... my mom the rockin' dog trainer and coach decided she wanted to "celebrate" this silly outlandish holiday you folks call "Halloween". All I know is you dress up weird and go around scaring people, knocking on doors and asking for treats!!! (uh, wait a minute... YOU ask for treats? Why are you all giving us dogs a hard time when we ask for treats...!!! I'll save that for another post...)

Mom thought this would be the perfect time for me to practice my "go to your place" trick! That's one of the big behaviors she teaches in her classes at the studio and Ventura Community Education...

The doorbell rings, I go to my little mat next to the door, she opens the door, as long as I sit still, I get a treat while the person at the door gets a treat... How easy is that? For both me and the kids at the door! This is what mom decided to dress me up in... ugh... she kept laughing, and I had this look on my face that she thought was soooo cute... But then she kept saying how she could use some melted butter... whatever... As long as I get my treats for wearing the stilly thing, I'll go along with it...I like to humor her.

Hmm, I wonder what she'll dress me as next year? And I wonder if mom posted pictures of me on her blog too! Oh geez, what are others going to say! Something for this inquisitive canine to ponder...

We have lift-off!!!

2008-10-31T13:34:00.000-07:00

WOW! My mom the rockin' dog coach has just launched her brand-spankin' new awesome fabulous website! It's SO great! Talks about all her classes, workshops, and private training she offers... plus there's a brand new section where she answers many of the common questions you folks ask her... There's also a new way to register so you get your place in class early! First come first serve ya know... And then there's directions and her phone number... Oh, and there's a special place where she tells you all about her schooling, and how hard she worked to become the great rockin' dog coach she is... and The best part ;-) is I get to be on top of each page, looking at her with my big happy grin.

I know she didn't do this all on her own... she had lots and lots of great help from her "dream team" - Miss. Lorrie, Miss. Emilia (Nellie's mom), Miss. Amber, Miss. Jill, Miss. Eileen...hmm, I think there may have been a few more...

Anyway, I'm really proud of my mom... I wonder if dad is going to register me for another class, something for this inquisitive canine to ponder...

Party ON!

2008-10-26T20:59:00.000-07:00

Wow, this birthday party surely went to the dogs! What a great time I had! I love going to parties... especially when they're doggy birthday parties. Check out the photo with me checking out the spread... Okay, not one of my best moments - at least by your human standards - I find it ironic that dad was the one taking the picture. Hmm, I guess he thought it was more fun to take the picture of me up on the chair sniffing the snacks, than asking me to get down... Notice mom was busy doing something else... HA! The perfect time to sneak in and check out the yummy "pup-cakes" Miss. Lisa made for us doggies.

It was Ferris Wheel's & Carnivals birthday! (yes, Miss. Lisa and Mr. James really gave them these names, they go by Ferris and Carni)... Anyway, they thought it would be fun to have a birthday party celebrating all of our dogginess... and it was a great time to be had - by canines and humans alike.

There were lot's of other doggies there too, so I got to make lots of new friends! We were all running around, playing, swimming, doing all of our doggy stuff...young, old, big, small - it's so important that us dogs get out and play with other dogs. You humans are great to play with, but we need "dog time" too - it allows us to build our canine play skills, and to learn what is socially acceptable, and what isn't. Us dogs teach each other that... we learn dog-play best from each other - especially what's "legal play" and what isn't. So thanks Miss. Lisa and Mr. James for taking care of our needs...This is the kind of activity mom likes to have at her training studio here in Ventura. But she always enjoys going to other peoples places for fun times too...

Check out all the great pictures that my mom took.
There are some of Ferris playing and eating his birthday hat! (Dude! That's so funny! I'm gonna try that next time mom sticks a hat on my head.)

And there's one of Carni and Ferris taking a dip in the pool. Then there's me, Ferris, and Libby (Ferris' cousin) - she was dressed funny.

Check out this other favorite of mine - I'm making friends with a really nice man who kept wanting to give me some of those pupcakes! See? he was paying attention to what I wanted! Oh, and hey, it was his idea! Not mine! I wasn't "begging" or anything, he just offered....

I'm no fool! Plus I didn't want to be rude :-)

Anyway, if you ever have the chance to take your dog to a party, or better yet, throw your dog a party, it'll probably be the best party ever! We make our own fun, and you humans tend to enjoy watching that... I wonder when mom is going to throw a party? Hmm, something for this inquisitive canine to ponder...

I "LOVE" tennis! Just like my dad!

2008-10-18T21:56:00.000-07:00

Today was another great day! Why? because dad was playing tennis in Santa Barbara...one of my favorite places to go...My mom the dog coach had to work first - she was teaching one of her great doggy workshops at Ventura College... I believe on teaching us dogs how to walk on leash, greet you humans politely, and come to you when you call us... Well, as soon as she got home, we all headed to SB... Mom thought it would be a good idea to visit some of her friends while dad played tennis... They live near where dad was playing, and she wanted them to meet me, and vice versa... Wow! What nice people they are... plus, they're really good dog trainers too - although they probably don't realize that :-)

You see, mom taught me this really cool behavior. She also teaches her students and their dogs this too - it's called "go to your place"... Which is the cue for me to go and sit or lie down on a little mat or rug. It gives me something to do, plus I stay out of the way...mom thinks it's annoying, getting under her feet and all.

So we went to Linda, Jim, and Stevie's house....wow, really cool place. Huge yard for me to run amok in!!! Plus they allowed me to run around inside too - Well, as soon as Miss. Linda started cooking dinner, oh boy did I know what to do...mom taught me well, right??? You betcha, I went right over "to my place" just like at home... and Miss. Linda caught on really quickly - although she rewarded me much better than mom! She gave me all sorts of cheese samplers (she was making something called "macaroni and cheese") Man-oh-man-alive was I one lucky dog or what??? She also kept saying how good I was, and how cute I was.... all that positive reinforcement - let me tell you, mom had to drag me outta there to go home... Oh, and before you start to worry, please don't - Miss. Linda was very careful with me being so close to the stove and whatnot - she was watching out for me, making sure I was safe the whole time...

Dad had fun too - he and his friend won their match... plus I got some ball chasing in after they were finished... Mom had a successful day with her workshop - plus she and I had fun and the Brinkman's... all in all a great day... I wonder when we're going back to visit? Hmm, something for this inquisitive canine to ponder...

Too bad for Mom but yippee for me!

2008-10-12T17:30:00.000-07:00

Mom had a change in schedule today - but it was good for me... Means I lucked out by getting to go on a rockin' road trip with mom and dad... The wind wasn't so bad for me today, so we went out and about....had a really nice long walk and romp on the beach - I got my sniff-time and ball chasing in...plus met some nice doggies who were also out with their families... but the best part of course were the snacks.... not my snacks mind you, but mom and dad snacks...

They weren't allowed to bring me into the place, but they always bring me something... First I had spoonful, then I got to lick the containers! I got one from each mom AND dad! Plus, the containers were bigger than my head! Mom always said to never eat anything bigger than your head...but she never said anything about the size of the container. Phew, good thing for me. I wonder if mom or dad ever lick the container? Hmm, something for this inquisitive canine to ponder...

Dorothy was right!!!

2008-10-11T09:31:00.000-07:00

Yep, "there's no place like home" as Dorothy said... Last night was complete chaos! This wind is coo-coo crazy! I don't like the wind...it's scary to me... I hear all these weird noises and I don't know where they're coming from. I kept looking around trying to detect the source - but no luck. And frankly, maybe I didn't want to know where they were coming from...

Mom was great though. She is one savvy dog trainer and coach. She is really great at "reading me"... She knows that I communicate to her and dad primarily through my body language (sometimes I bark but that doesn't get me very far...she says I'm annoying when I do that)... Anyway, I communicated and mom listened! She knew immediately I was scared. Yep, me, Poncho - the one who has been known to take on garbage trucks and school buses is scared of the wind. Come on! It's loud, it causes weird noises to happen, and makes things fall from the sky!!!

So, how does she know I'm scared? That's easy... first thing I do is cling to mom (dad too)... I like to keep my tail tucked under by butt and through my legs, my ears kinda go down and back, I tuck one side of my lip up (mom says I look like Elvis)... I might have one front paw raised if I'm sitting or standing...I also lick my lips a lot and throw a yawn or two in...not because I'm tired mind you.

The real BIG signals for mom is 1) I ain't hungry! Can you believe it??? Nope, too scared to eat anything and 2) I'm trembly all over...can't stop shaking... You'd think I have the chills or something, but no...that's you humans, for us dogs it means somethings up! We're usually scared or sick.

Well, mom was my saving grace last night. She picked up on it right away... loud windy noises, I stopped eating... She in turn placed me gently in her lap and cuddled me for the rest of the night...then took me to bed with her. I wonder what mom and dad do when they get scared? I wonder who takes care of them? Maybe each other? Hmm, something for this inquisitive canine to ponder...

Good friends and good times...!

2008-10-06T22:07:00.000-07:00

I've been having lots of fun with my friends Elaine and Genae. They live next door. They're my mom and dad's friends too...but I'm getting to spend lots of time with them - especially since mom and dad are spending more time out and about on the town - working and whatnot.

My mom the dog coach makes sure that if she and dad aren't available, they make arrangements for other people to take good care of me. Not that I can't be alone - but mom says because I'm a "social animal", if they need to leave me for a longer time it's better to have others come by and take care of me. She says it's not very fair to a dog to leave them locked up in the house all day without any mental or physical stimulation.

So it's great that Elaine and Genae are our friends. They're SO much FUN! They come over and play with me, rub my belly, talk to me with those cute voices that make me smile inside...and they give me treats! I love when they come over.

Genae and I get along really well - we both have lots in common. I love my mom and dad. She loves her mom and dad. I like to play, she likes to play. I like sports - ball, chase, tug, Flyball, agility - and she like sports - soccer, running, junior lifeguard, swimming, bike riding - but her favorite is ballet! She's really good at that. She gets to practice all the time - and now she's going to be learning all about something called the "Nutcracker" - not sure what that is, but I think it happens around the holidays - something tells me dogs aren't allowed at the show. Maybe she can show me pictures.

Anyway, Genae and her mom Elaine have been coming by to play...and I've been having fun. It makes it a little easier when mom and dad aren't able to take me with them. I wonder when Genae is going to come over again? Hmm, something for this inquisitive canine to ponder.

Mom was tough today!

2008-09-28T17:15:00.000-07:00

Oh brother was class a bit "ruff" today - no pun intended folks, sorry... Anyway, it was week four of my Manner's Class which means my mom the dog trainer finally talks about "punishment"! I know! It's scary... not because mom would do anything to hurt me, or any dog for that matter, but being "timed out!" is really stinky! and not in a good way...

As you all know, mom is all about "positive reinforcement" - but she's also about using gentle, humane, non-force techniques to teach us dogs (humans too...), she learns the same way! For the first month mom wants everyone to focus in on the behaviors they want us dogs to do...not what they don't want. Then, she brings in the icky stuff - reward removal! That's where all the nasty punishment comes in...

Not getting to say "hi", not getting to walk forward, not getting to "hang out", not getting the treat... She says they use this type of "punishment" in sports - hockey players get sent to the penalty box, or basketball players have to sit on the bench, baseball players get thrown out of the game etc... it's all about not getting to play along...and it works!

Last week I was "speaking up" in class a bit too much so dad took me out of the room - this week, not so much - I learned my lesson! Dad kept rewarding me for being quiet - I did slip up once and mom caught me - can't get anything past her...most of the time anyway ;-)

So mom has given us choices - if I "do this" I get something I want, if I "do that" I don't get what I want... hmm, I know what the better choice is, thanks for teaching me mom (and dad)...

I wonder if mom was every "timed out"? Hmm, something for this inquisitive canine to ponder...

I lOVE being an "errand boy"!!!

2008-09-25T15:30:00.000-07:00

Dad and I just got back from running errands together - mom feels kinda bad that she sends us out, but I think dad enjoys our time together... Why? Well first we get to go play on the field, (we also practice our training skills that we learned in moms classes). Then dad will hit the hardware store, or Costco, or Trader Joe's for mom...but the best best best part is dad will usually find a "treat" for us to share :-) I LOVE THAT! See? dad likes his 'rewards' just as much as me! Positive reinforcement works for all animals ya know - that's one thing I learned from mom...

Check it out - dad decided to send mom a picture of what we were up to... tee hee...not sure if that was the smartest thing he could have done...I think she called dad "naughty", but that's okay, mom has been known to stop for "treats" herself... I wonder what mom and dads favorite treats are? Hmm, something for this inquisitive canine to ponder...

Dad CAN multi-task!

2008-09-25T13:59:00.001-07:00

I've been having so much fun with dad - we've been practicing all the new skills we've learned in moms rockin' Canine Good Manners classes at her Inquisitive Canine studio...the best thing is that dad has learned he can take "our show on the road". Now we practice wherever we go, not just in class - I guess that's one of moms goals for her students - to take it out of the class into the "real world".

So today dad took me to one of our usual spots - the field where I romp, sniff, and play...this time, dad decided to "multi-task" and get in some training - along with the fun time. Mom calls this "obedience breaks" - she also says it's the perfect place to practice things like coming when my name is called, or leaving things alone when asked...you know, like yummy food I might find on the ground (I love that you humans are such litterbugs!) For safety, dad kept me on leash during our exercises...I was dragging it along with me - but in case I decided something out in the field was more interesting, and I didn't feel like paying attention, then he had a "safety line". Fortunately, dad knows how to keep me motivated so I was playing the game the entire time...

Check out the picture he took of me working hard - running towards him when he called me...mom will be SO proud! Of both of us! I wonder if I called their name they'd come running to me...hmm, something for this inquisitive canine to ponder...

Teachers "pet"

2008-09-19T16:21:00.000-07:00

I'm still having so much fun being in mom's class. And dad is great! He's the one taking me ya know... Plus, he's got the advantage because he lives with the teacher! You'd think mom would be biased and let him get away with more than the other students...HA! NO WAY! Sure she's here to answer questions for him - that is an advantage - BUT she's also making it harder for him - PLUS, she's here to remind him to do more homework! Which is great for me because I love to learn!

Dad seems to love it too because now I'm doing all the things he's always wanted me to do. Like come back to him when he calls me when we're out on walks... or to sit and mind my manners while I wait before he lets me lick the inside of the yogurt cup. He's proud of me, mom is proud of both of us! Just like dad is rewarding me, my behavior is rewarding dad, and both dad and I are rewarding mom by practicing together!!! A real win-win for everyone...

I wonder what mom is going to reward dad with? Hmm, something for this inquisitive canine to ponder...

I can't get away with anything!

2008-09-14T16:21:00.000-07:00

Wow class was kinda tough today - not the training exercises per say... I just couldn't get away with anything! That's my mom the dog coach - she's kind, patient, and loves all her students - but she won't let you get away with some things...especially from me!

All I was doing was barking and whining at her during class while she was teaching...sure, dad was there working with me, but I wanted my mom... I heard her tell the other students what I was doing is called "attention seeking behavior"...which is something I guess you humans aren't too fond of. She seems to know the difference between me wanting her attention, and me letting her know I don't feel well...two different types of whining. It's good that she knows the difference - something else she teaches the students during her classes.

Anyway, mom instructed dad to give me a "time out" - which means I got sent to the bathroom by myself for a few seconds... Geez! Then of course I tried it again, and of course she and dad were right on it! By the third time dad figured it out himself, and well, so did I! I was quiet for the remainder of the class... Dad paid attention to that too - got treats for just sitting on my blanket and being quiet... now I know what the better choice is.

I wonder if mom or dad ever had a "time out" when they were young? Hmm, something for this inquisitive canine to ponder...

It's back to school for me too!

2008-09-07T17:43:00.000-07:00

OMG guess what??? I get to go back to school again! I love school! I love classes! I love learning! It's SO MUCH FUN FOR ME! I get to think, use my brain, get rewards and attention from all the other people and doggies! And the best part is --- my daddy is taking me, AND I'm in love with my teacher! She is the best ever...but I'm kinda biased...cause she's my rockin' dog trainer mom!

I'm not sure what happened... but dad decided he wanted to learn more about me as a "canine" (not just his fur child), and learn how to get me to do things that he wants me to do... Like leave leftover food stuck to the ground alone, or call me away from the mailman, or enjoy him picking me up when I'm grumpy and tired (like mom is sometimes...) You know, all those normal doggy behaviors that you humans find annoying.

Anyway, he wanted to learn all about it - and since mom was starting one of her rockin' Canine Good Manners classes today, she thought it would be good for him to attend...just like all of her other great students. So he agreed, and wholeheartedly I may add...I loved being there, and having both mom and dad with me.

I know dad's already doing his homework...filling out his goals sheet, and reading through his workbook... Seems like he's really into it... I wonder what we're going to practice first...something for this inquisitive canine to ponder...

Miss. Jill is SO smart!

2008-08-11T16:15:00.000-07:00

My mom the dog coach has some really smart friends! You've heard me mention this before, but this time I'm talking about Miss. Jill... She and her mom came out from Austin to visit - And all I can say is, I can't wait for them to come back! Especially Miss. Jill.

Miss. Jill is only 9 years old...but, she is one of the best dog trainers I know. And she doesn't even know she is one! She wanted to play ball with me...but at first I wasn't getting it, mostly because I'm so used to playing with mom at her studio here in Ventura, so we needed a bit of coaching to get started... Mom had Miss. Jill throw the ball, but then whenever I brought it back, she would first give me a treat, then she would throw the ball again! How cool is that?!

Well, Miss. Jill quickly figured out that wherever she gave me my piece of kibble, (yes, this is how mom gives me some of my breakfast) that's where I would bring the ball! Wherever she wanted me to go, that is where she rewarded me! I bet her teachers back at home are as proud of her as me and my mom are... maybe someday she'll come out again and train me... In the meantime, all those dogs back is Austin sure are fortunate to have her!

Hmm, I wonder what we'll work on the next time?...something for this inquisitive canine to ponder...

One smart cookie!

2008-08-08T10:32:00.000-07:00

My mom the dog trainer says that some of her non-dog-owning friends are some of the smartest "dog trainers" she knows! Take Miss. Dorel for instance. She was kind enough to take care of her friends dog while they were out of town. This friend of hers dropped of their dog, along with a whole bunch of stuff that's supposed to stop the dog from barking! Things like a water bottle, and some noise maker, and something that actually causes pain! Are you kidding me? Do those silly humans actually think that those thing will stop us from barking??? HA!

Fortunately Miss. Dorel is one smart human - She already knew that those methods wouldn't make any sense... Not only would they not stop the dog from barking (hello? have they worked yet?), but they'd also inflict pain, discomfort, and fear! Miss. Dorel said she would never use something like that to teach her own kids...why would a dog learn any differently?

She and my mom talk about these things when they go out running together. In my moms dog training classes here in Ventura, she teaches others to reward behaviors you want, instead of concentrating on the behaviors you don't want. Barking is a normal behavior for us dogs, just like talking is for you humans. So, instead of yelling at your dog when she's barking, reward them when she's quiet. This is exactly what Miss. Dorel did when her friends dog was staying with her... totally makes sense, right? Yep - and that's why her doggy guest rarely barked at all...

Well to you Miss. Dorel, on behalf of all of us dogs out here - thank you! For being so smart, and for understanding us a little bit better... I know it's not the right time for you to adopt a dog of your own...so in the meantime, you can get all the pet therapy you need from me when you visit.

Hmm, pretzels can only mean one thing...

2008-08-01T19:02:00.000-07:00

Okay, maybe two things... or more... But in this case it means "bath time"! Yep - this inquisitive canine has figured out moms tip-offs for when she's about to give me a bath. First she'll mention that I don't smell very nice...calls me "Mr. Stinky Pants" - Geez, she's one to talk - she doesn't smell that great herself after a run...although I do like it - dad doesn't mind either - but I'm sure the public would protest.

Anyway, mom first talked about how I wasn't smelling very fresh, and that my fur felt "icky" (dad let me roll in something really fun at the park today - thanks dad!) Then she grabbed a few of her favorite pretzels, and said "come on, it's bath time"...we then went into the bathroom and proceeded to take care of business.

Mom is really pretty smart though. She's a rockin' dog trainer - and she knows her stuff. She has figured out that I don't fuss if she feeds me little tidbits of goodies while she bathes me. She really lays it on when she gets that blower thingy out. She laughs and I get snacks - it's a pretty cool bonding time we share. This is something she teaches her students in her fun and informative dog training classes here in Ventura at our cool indoor training studio. Sometimes I help out - you might see me there.

As for the whole bathing and grooming of dogs...Something you humans feel the need to do...and something for this inquisitive canine to ponder...

Summertime FUN!

2008-07-26T16:23:00.000-07:00

I can't believe summer is just flyin' by! I know I haven't been hanging around the computer much. Thank goodness my mom the dog coach doesn't pay me by the hour! I've been out and about spending time having fun with mom and dad doing various fun summertime things... We've gone to the beach, the parks, the fields, friends houses, play-dates with other dog friends, and my favorite --- sharing and ice-cream with dad! I know it's not the best thing for me... but mom considered it a summertime-once-in-awhile special treat.

Gotta go now. Time to go play some more! Hope you all are enjoying your summer too!

I love a PARADE!

2008-07-20T20:24:00.000-07:00

Mom and dad took me to the Pooch Parade today... it was SO MUCH FUN! It's the annual fundraising event that The Canine Adoption and Rescue League puts on here in Ventura down at the beach park. It's really great that they do this - all the money goes to helping dogs in need of homes...I used to be one of those too - until I met mom and dad...

Mom, dad and I started of with a brisk walk...a whole 5K! My mom the dog training coach is really great...she let me sniff and explore much of the time...of course I had to ask for permission first - that's what she taught me, and something she teaches her students in both her classes and private sessions. Something called "setting boundaries"? or "Mother May I?" Whatever...all I figured out is, if I don't pull towards something, but look up at her, then she'll walk me over to where I want to sniff... I guess it works for both of us...

Anyway, after the walk dad had to leave - he's motivated by playing tennis...and he's really good! He won the tournament he signed up for...mom was pretty cool with it but we did miss him being with us... So mom and I walked around, checked out the vendors, talked with lots of people and other dogs... Mom said I did great! All I know is I greeted both the dogs and the people in the way mom taught me too...with my good manners - something else she teaches in the classes at her inquisitive canine studio here in Ventura...

We had a nice time - the weather was great too...This year mom didn't enter me in any contests, but that's okay - it was fun watching all the other dogs have fun...nice to be on the sidelines relaxing...maybe next year...Hmm, I wonder which contests she would enter me in? Maybe the kissing contest? I like doing that...mom is fun to kiss...Something for this inquisitive canine to ponder...

Bring on the explosives!

2008-07-04T22:43:00.000-07:00

I don't know what all the explosives are about - I usually find them a bit annoying...loud, plus they make a mess of the environment - but I guess you humans find them appealing. Well, turns out they're not so bad...as long as mom is around. Seems every time I heard an explosion, my mom the dog training coach gave me a delicious little morsel of yummy meatloaf! Hmm... explosion = meatloaf.

Now I associate the sounds of fireworks with meatloaf! I love that! I think this is some of what mom teaches in her classes... learning by association. Now that I associate obnoxious sounds of fireworks exploding with the delivery of meat, I don't think they're so bad... So, all this inquisitive canine wants to know is: when does the county fair start? they have fireworks every night!

Mom got a new job!!!

2008-06-26T11:53:00.000-07:00

I'm so proud of my mom the dog training coach! She just landed herself a new job... Don't worry. She still has her fabulous indoor dog training studio - and is still taking private clients, and teaching classes... But now she is also teaching her Basic Manners Classes through the Ventura College Community Education programs! This is SO COOL!

She starts tonight...and she looks really excited. I read her body language just like she reads mine...and that look she has on her face is the same as when she is, what dad calls, in a great mood!

Maybe I'll be able to go with her once in awhile to help her out... I make a great assistant. Or, maybe dad and I can have some quality time together... I enjoy both so it should be great for me too!

It's DAD's DAY too!

2008-06-15T20:22:00.000-07:00

Hey Dad, just wanted to wish you a Happy Father's Day! Thanks for taking such good care of me... I love our trips to the field where you let me run around...sniffing and rolling in things - just letting me be a dog... I also love when you take me with you to Costco - the hotdogs are soooo yummy...(I know, don't tell mom)... And then there's the ice-cream too! Yum! Also, thanks for buying me all the fun new toys, and playing ball with me...you know tennis is my favorite - just like your favorite too!!! Hmm, what else...oh yeah, there's the yogurt time in the evenings... I like when you let me lick the cup out... You're really special...thanks for being such a great dad! I love you... Poncho

Happy Birthday to ME!

2008-06-15T17:31:00.000-07:00

It's my BIRTHDAY, it's my birthday, we're gonna party like it's my birthday!!!! And what a great day it was... Poor mom, she had to work today - she was teaching some of her awesome classes... I think she was working with puppies and grown up dogs like me... Dad and I stopped by to help her in between classes... but we mostly played.

Dad took me to the field not once but two times... lots of running around. Good exercise always makes me nice and happy (mom says it's good for me cause I'm much more quiet in the house and car - this is something she teaches her students too)...

Anyway, dad and I also went to nana Mae's house for lunch. I got to visit with her dog Tiger. But I mostly ran around the house...dad didn't give me any roast beef - said I had to wait until dinner.

Mom finally came home - we went out for a car ride around town - then home for my special dinner. I got fresh grilled steak for my birthday - today I am 7 years old. Mom said that it was five years ago today that she and dad heard about me, and met with me, and took me home... it's been a really great life here with mom and dad...they really love and care about me.

I love them so much, I even like to humor them and wear the stupid clothes they put on me... I feel like such a dork. Mom laughs a lot, so I guess it's a good thing? I wonder why humans are so obsessed with putting clothes on us dogs - something for this inquisitive canine to ponder....